At around 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Vestal police officers were dispatched to the area of mile marker 234 on Route 17 westbound for a report of a disabled vehicle.
The first officer on the scene found a vehicle stopped in the passing lane of the highway, partially in the roadway with the driver’s door open. He approached the vehicle and spoke with the operator, who was alone in the vehicle. During the conversation and without warning, the individual pulled a handgun from his side. The officer fired his weapon and moved to a safe position, calling for assistance.
The operator of the vehicle closed his door and did not respond to any requests from police. Vestal police negotiators were on scene and for nearly 3 hours attempted to get the operator to come out of the vehicle. Around 12:45 a.m. Thursday, the individual was taken into custody and transported to the hospital, where he was treated for wounds that were not considered to be life threatening.
No officers or any other persons were injured during the incident. Criminal charges are expected to be filed against the suspect in consultation with the Broome County District Attorney’s Office.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene and assisted Vestal police, including New York State police, Broome County Sheriff’s Office, Binghamton police, Johnson City police, Binghamton University police, Endicott police and the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office.
Further assistance was received from Vestal EMS, METRO SWAT, NYSP Forensic Investigation Unit and the NYS Department of Transportation.
Vestal Police Department
