UPDATED: Ithaca police have identified Michael DeCastro, 57, as the man killed early Saturday when shot by an officer in the lobby of the city’s police station.
Investigators said DeCastro was carrying a “butcher type knife” with a nine-inch blade when he rang the buzzer to be allowed into police headquarters on East Clinton Street. Police Chief Dennis R. Nayor said Saturday the officer opened the door to allow DeCastro into the building and the man attacked him; then the officer shot him.
The officer, who suffered minor injuries and was treated at a medical center, has not been identified. Nayor said it appeared to be a random attack.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Early this morning (Saturday) prior to 6:30 a.m., an Ithaca police officer was attacked by an individual armed with a large knife inside the lobby of Police Headquarters. This incident resulted in a fatal officer-involved shooting. The involved officer sustained minor injuries and was treated at a regional medical center. The name of the deceased is being withheld at this time.
Tompkins County District Attorney and the New York State Attorney General’s Office have been contacted and are actively involved in this investigation. State Police and Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting with this investigation.
This is an active investigation and therefore this initial media release only contains preliminary
information.
