Man in ‘Bizarre’ Cow Costume Accused of Knife Attack on Family Member in Upstate New York

A 47-year-old man from Upstate New York has been arrested after deputies say he tried to stab a family member while dressed in a cow costume during a domestic incident on the evening of April 11.

Officials said the incident happened around 7:30 p.m. at a home on Jubilee Road in Rensselaerville, Albany County. Deputies from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call and found that Anthony Pappalau of Waterford allegedly tried to attack a male relative with a knife.

Sheriff Craig Apple said Pappalau also struck the victim in the leg with his car door before fleeing the scene. “Such behavior appears to be expected from him,” Apple told The Times Union, referring to Pappalau’s actions and unusual attire.

In his mugshot, Pappalau’s cow costume is not clearly visible, but he can be seen with his head raised, staring at the camera while pursing his lips. However, it is not clear why he was wearing a cow costume.

Details about the victim, such as his name and relation to Pappalau, have not been released. Officials said he refused medical treatment at the scene.

After leaving the home, Pappalau was later found by Rotterdam Police in nearby Schenectady County. He was taken into custody without further incident and then transferred to Albany County authorities.

At the time of his arrest, Pappalau was still wearing the cow costume, though officials have not said why he was dressed that way.

Investigators have not shared details about what led to the confrontation inside the home, and the case remains under review as authorities continue to gather information.

Pappalau now faces several charges, including second-degree attempted assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree menacing, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

He was arraigned in Rensselaerville Town Court on Sunday and was later released. Meanwhile, Waterford, where Pappalau lives, is located in Saratoga County, about 40 miles northeast of Rensselaerville. Rotterdam, where he was detained, lies roughly 25 miles northeast of Rensselaerville and about 18 miles west of Waterford in the Capital Region.

As the investigation continues, Pappalau was previously arrested in 2020 on charges of a hate crime and aggravated harassment based on race or religion.