TOWN OF ROCHESTER, N.Y. — State police said a person was shot and critically wounded by troopers on Monday after he displayed what appeared to be a handgun.
The handgun turned out to be a pellet gun, according to authorities.
In a press release, state police said troopers from Ellenville responded to a report of a male holding a handgun walking southbound on Queens Highway toward state Route 209 at about 12:42 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16. Upon arriving at the scene, the troopers saw an individual matching the description provided by a caller to Ulster County 911, the release added.
Troopers issued multiple commands for the individual to show his hands, according to the release. But the individual refused to comply and subsequently displayed what appeared to be a handgun, authorities said, adding that the troopers then fired their duty weapons, striking the subject.
The release did not say how many times the individual was shot.
Troopers immediately rendered medical aid and requested emergency medical services, the release said. The individual was transported from the scene by Kerhonkson-Accord Rescue Ambulance and was subsequently airlifted to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the handgun possessed by the individual was a pellet gun, according to the release, which included a photo of the gun.
The names of those involved are being withheld at this time, but will be released with the next update, state police said.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the New York State Police SP Ellenville Bureau of Criminal Investigation at (845) 344-5300.