A New York State Trooper who killed a man during a shootout in Kirkwood has been cleared for duty. 28-year State Police veteran Timothy Conklin will return to duty this week after he was involved in a shootout with a suspect on January 28. An investigation was conducted by Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell Jr.’s office and the New York State Police. Cornwell determined that Trooper Conklin justifiably utilized deadly physical force to defend his life and the life of others. Last month 30-year-old Nicholas P. Philhower took his mother’s vehicle without permission and he was spotted by Trooper Conklin on State Route 17 in the town of Kirkwood. Philhower took evasive action then came to a stop and began shooting at Trooper Conklin using a military style semi-automatic rifle. Trooper Conklin returned fire through the windshield of his patrol vehicle and Philhower continued to shoot at Trooper Conklin. Philhower was struck several times and died at the scene. Trooper Conklin was treated at Wilson Hospital then later released for a miner shrapnel injury to his arm.
