New York State Police Shoot A WNY Man Holding A Bat And Gun

A Western New York man was shot by New York State Police after allegedly brandishing weapons. Yesterday, Sunday, July 10, 2022, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of the State Police precinct in Machias arrested the 20-year-old man a quarter till 10 pm. Thomas Wright of Machias was arrested for Menacing 2nd degree.

Troopers responded to a call about a possibly suicidal person near Reynolds Road in the town of Machias. The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department was also involved in locating the person, who was identified as Wright. He was allegedly holding a baseball bat. Trooper gave him commands to drop the bat, which Wright did, but then he allegedly picked up what Troopers described as a black pistol. A Trooper then fired his weapon at Wright.

Wright was taken into custody and transported to Erie County Medical Center. He suffered from one non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He was also given a mental health evaluation.

Upon further investigation, NYSP identified the weapon that Wright allegedly pointed at law enforcement as an airsoft pistol. A second airsoft pistol and a kitchen knife were also found. He will be back in court in the town of Machias in August.

New York State Police Officer Kills Driver Near I-190 In Downtown Buffalo

NYSP killed another man in WNY recently. Almost 5 months ago to the day, a New York Police Trooper killed a person who was allegedly driving erratically in Buffalo. The incident began on I-90 around 10:30 am on Saturday, February 12, 2022. Troopers were trying to stop a person driving erratically. As police pursued, the driver exited onto I-190. The driver then exited into the City of Buffalo. Troopers found the driver, who had pulled over, talking to other people on East Eagle Street near Washington Street. Troopers approached the vehicle and gave the driver verbal commands. At some point, a trooper fired his weapon at the driver. It's not made clear by the New York State Police as to why the officer felt the need to shoot. The driver died at the scene. The trooper sustained minor injuries.