MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — A man wanted in the killing of his father was captured early Sunday morning, state police announced.
Thomas David Ryan, 32, was captured at approximately 12:10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, after the vehicle he was believed to be driving was located in the town of Gilboa in Schoharie County, state police said in a press release. Ryan was wanted in connection with the death of his father, Robert Ryan, 70, according to authorities.
The body of the elder Ryan was found at his residence on Greenville Turnpike in Greenville in Orange County after a fire erupted in the house before 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6. A preliminary investigation revealed the fire was deliberately set, state police said.
Thomas Ryan did not reside with his father at the time of the fire, according to state police, adding that investigators determined he had lived a transient lifestyle, staying at numerous shelters throughout New York state.
On Saturday evening, Aug. 8, state police, Troop G in Latham, received a tip reporting that the 2016 Toyota Prius that Thomas Ryan was driving and was owned by his father had been located unoccupied in a parking lot in Gilboa, authorities said. After confirming the vehicle was associated with the investigation, law enforcement personnel were deployed to the area. Members of state police Troops G and F, along with New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police and the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, searched the surrounding area, the release said. It added that Ryan was captured after authorities received another tip from the public.
Ryan received medical treatment at the scene for injuries he suffered before he was apprehended and was later transported to a hospital, where he is in stable condition, state police said. Ryan will be charged and arraigned when his medical condition permits, the release said.
State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation Capt. Brad Natalizio said in a statement: “This investigation demonstrates what can be accomplished when the community and law enforcement work together toward a common goal. The information provided by alert members of the public, combined with the relentless efforts of our investigators, Troopers, and law enforcement partners across multiple jurisdictions, allowed us to locate Thomas Ryan and bring this search to a safe conclusion. I am extremely proud of the professionalism, coordination, and determination demonstrated by everyone involved, and we are grateful to the public for their vigilance and continued support.”
The investigation continues, state police said, adding that more information regarding Thomas’ apprehension and criminal charges will be released when appropriate.