Pair charged after police find loaded gun at Somers IBM site

SOMERS, N.Y. - Two New Jersey residents were arrested Saturday afternoon after New York State Police and the Town of Somers Police Department responded to reports of suspicious vehicles near the former IBM complex in Somers.

According to authorities, troopers were dispatched at approximately 1 p.m. on April 11 after several vehicles were spotted parked along the shoulder of the roadway. Based on prior incidents in the area, officers suspected the vehicles were connected to individuals trespassing on the vacant property.

Uniformed members of the New York State Police, along with investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), entered the site and began canvassing the exterior parking lots. Shortly thereafter, two individuals were located and detained.

Police identified the individuals as Violette O. Nidds, 24, of Ridgewood, N.J., and Benjamin F. Volino, 25, of Mahwah, N.J. Authorities said Volino was observed carrying a large crowbar at the time of the encounter.

During the arrest, investigators determined that Volino was in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm. He was also allegedly found with items taken from the property, including a Sony camera and a large power strip.

Nidds was charged with third-degree criminal trespass, a class B misdemeanor. She was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to the Town of Somers Court on April 13 at 5 p.m.

Volino faces multiple charges, including criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a class C felony, and burglary in the second degree, also a class C felony, for allegedly being armed while committing the offense. He was additionally charged with two counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, as well as possession of burglar’s tools, both class A misdemeanors.

Following arraignment in Somers Town Court, Volino was remanded to the Westchester County Jail. Bail was set at $7,500 cash, $25,000 bond, or a $15,000 partially secured surety bond. He is also due back in court on April 13 at 5 p.m.

Authorities noted that incidents at abandoned properties such as the former IBM complex are not uncommon and warned of the dangers associated with entering such sites. Police said these locations are often structurally unsound and may contain hazardous materials, exposed wiring, open shafts, and other risks that can lead to serious injury or death.

State Police urged the public to avoid trespassing on vacant properties, emphasizing that enforcement efforts are aimed at protecting public safety and preventing avoidable incidents.