Man Sentenced to Prison for Clown Mask Chainsaw Incident

Craig Wolcott of Albany received 1.5 to 4.5 years for menacing a neighbor with an electric chainsaw while wearing a clown mask.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Craig Wolcott, a 35-year-old man from Albany, New York, has been sentenced to 1.5 to 4.5 years in state prison for menacing a neighbor with an electric chainsaw while wearing a clown mask. Wolcott was convicted of first-degree menacing and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon following a two-day trial in December.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the serious legal consequences that can result from using threatening behavior and weapons, even if no physical harm is caused. The use of a clown mask and chainsaw likely added to the fear and distress experienced by the victim, underscoring the need for strict penalties for such crimes.

The details

On May 1, Cohoes police received a call about two men fighting on Lancaster Street. When officers arrived, they found that Wolcott had been walking down the street wearing a clown mask and brandishing an electric chainsaw. A neighbor asked Wolcott what he was doing, at which point Wolcott came toward the resident and menaced him with the chainsaw. The resident was able to restrain Wolcott until police arrived.

  • On May 1, Cohoes police received a call about the incident at approximately 2:40 p.m.
  • Wolcott was convicted following a two-day trial in December.

The players

Craig Wolcott

A 35-year-old man from Albany, New York, who was convicted of first-degree menacing and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Cohoes Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested Wolcott.

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What’s next

Wolcott will serve his 1.5 to 4.5 year sentence in state prison.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of strict penalties for crimes involving the use of threatening behavior and weapons, even in situations where physical harm is not directly caused. It serves as a warning that such actions will not be tolerated and can result in significant prison time.