Albany Man Accused of Pulling Knife on Washington Tavern Security

31-year-old James Edwards charged with weapon possession and menacing after alleged altercation

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:19pm

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Police in Albany, New York arrested a 31-year-old man named James Edwards over the weekend after he allegedly brandished a knife and aggressively approached security staff at the Washington Tavern during a dispute. Edwards was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing.

Why it matters

Incidents of violence and weapons at bars and restaurants can raise concerns about public safety, especially in urban areas like Albany that have seen an uptick in certain types of crime in recent years. This case highlights the challenges businesses face in maintaining security and de-escalating confrontations with patrons.

The details

According to police, officers responded to the Washington Tavern on Western Avenue just before 12:30 a.m. on Sunday after receiving reports of someone with a weapon at the establishment. Detectives determined that during a dispute with the tavern's security staff, Edwards allegedly brandished a knife and aggressively approached them before fleeing the scene. Officers later located and arrested Edwards near Western Avenue and Quail Street. He was held at the Albany County Jail on $20,000 bail after being arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court.

  • Police responded to the Washington Tavern just before 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • Edwards was arrested a short time after the incident near Western Avenue and Quail Street.

The players

James Edwards

A 31-year-old Albany resident who was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing.

Washington Tavern

A bar and restaurant located on Western Avenue in Albany, New York.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow James Edwards out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges businesses face in maintaining security and de-escalating confrontations with patrons, especially in urban areas that have seen an uptick in certain types of crime.