Rape suspect dies after officer-involved shooting in Carthage
New York State Police say a man wanted on a bench warrant for first-degree rape was shot while resisting arrest in Jefferson County on Wednesday.
By Lauren Foster ·
A man wanted on a first-degree rape charge died on Wednesday after being shot by a New York State Police trooper in Carthage. The incident occurred in the area of West Street and South Washington Street in Jefferson County.
State police said troopers pulled over a vehicle to apprehend the suspect, who was on a bench warrant. During the stop, the man pointed a handgun at a state police investigator and did not follow verbal commands to disarm. A trooper then fired, striking the man.
Medical responders treated the suspect at the scene before transporting him to Carthage Area Hospital. He was listed in critical condition and later died. Police have not released the names of the suspect or the officer involved.
Jefferson County dispatchers reported receiving a call about a gunshot victim near the intersection. The person was described as conscious and able to speak upon arrival of first responders. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the location.
Samantha Ortiz, a resident living nearby, described the neighborhood as typically safe. She said, “To see this in my front yard is kind of nerve-racking because I’ve lived here for about a year and a half and it’s been a really safe neighborhood.”
The state Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident. The office conducts a review of every officer-involved shooting in the state.
