Man accused of shots to door

PLESSIS — State police say a man blasted open the door of a house with an assault weapon Sunday night so that he could talk to his estranged wife.

Nobody was injured in the shooting, which occurred shortly before 10 p.m.

James M. Knight, 24, of 221-B S. Hamilton St., Watertown, was jailed under $50,000 bail following his arrest by state police on a charge of first-degree burglary. He also is charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Alexandria Town Justice Lewis H. Perry Jr. sent Mr. Knight to the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building, Watertown, where he awaits grand jury action.

Police said at least three rounds were fired from a .40-caliber assault weapon at the door handle and lock, yielding entry to the home of Mark A. Sherbino, 26016 County Route 3, where Mr. Knight's wife, Tiffany M. Sherbino Knight, was staying. Mrs. Knight called 911, and she was still on the phone with a dispatcher when Trooper Michael R. Eckler arrived within three minutes of the call, police said.

Mr. Knight was heard by dispatch personnel telling his wife to stop talking to police, a state police sergeant said.

While police were en route to the house, Mr. Eckler grabbed a shotgun from his patrol car and entered the Sherbino house. As he walked in, he found Mr. Knight, unarmed, coming down a flight of stairs. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Police were uncertain if Mr. Knight had dropped the gun or if it had been forcibly taken from him. Mrs. Knight's brother, name not available, was in the house with her at the time, police said.