Albany, N.Y. — A man from Cohoes has been sentenced to six years in state prison following a violent assault on his former girlfriend. Marc Malinowski, 39, received his sentence from Judge Andra Ackerman for attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and he will also be subject to five years of post-release supervision.
The violent incident unfolded on August 4, when Albany police responded to reports of an armed man threatening a woman at the intersection of Central Avenue and Quail Street. Officers arrived to find the victim suffering from a severe head injury, while the couple’s 2-year-old child, who was present in the back seat, remained unharmed.
Malinowski had fled the scene but was quickly apprehended at a nearby bus stop on Central Avenue. A brief foot chase ensued before officers caught him and discovered he was in possession of a loaded illegal handgun.
Investigations revealed the horrifying details of the morning’s events. Reports indicate Malinowski forced his ex-girlfriend to drive him at gunpoint from her Watervliet home to Albany, then to Cohoes and back. During the harrowing drive, he threatened her life repeatedly while driving on Interstate 787, at one point placing the weapon against her head and yelling, “I will shoot you.” In addition to the threats, he physically assaulted her during the ordeal, striking her in the head and mouth.
Malinowski’s criminal history includes at least ten prior arrests since 2003, and he has previously served time in state prison for a rape conviction. The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Jacob Sheingold, who specializes in cases involving victims of domestic violence.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise in situations involving domestic abuse and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions. As communities continue to grapple with issues of violence, law enforcement and victim advocacy groups stress the need for increased awareness and support for those affected by such incidents.