Schenectady man convicted of 2023 burglary

NISKAYUNA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- 25-year-old Zai John Vanhoesen was convicted in a burglary case on November 22, the Schenectady County District Attorney's Office reported. Vanhoesen was found guilty of first-degree burglary as well as first and second-degree attempted robbery after an eight-day jury trial.

The initial indictment alleged that on January 31, 2023, around 12:15 p.m., Vanhoesen and a partner broke into an apartment in Hillcrest Village in Niskayuna. While inside, he and his accomplice reportedly brandished a handgun and struck one of the residents in the head while demanding money, only to realize they had invaded a different apartment than they had intended, leading to them fleeing the scene.

The incident, as well as the duo's attempt to conceal their identities with face masks, was recorded on surveillance footage, eventually resulting in Vanhoesen's arrest. He previously served time for a weapon conviction after shooting a woman in the leg in Albany back in 2018.

Vanhoesen now faces up to 25 years in prison and five years of post-release probation. His sentencing is scheduled for January 31, 2025, at Schenectady County Court.