Suspect dies after State Police shooting in Carthage, officials say

A man wanted on a Lewis County bench warrant connected to an alleged first-degree rape charge was shot by a New York State Police member Wednesday afternoon in Carthage and later died, State Police said. The incident remains under investigation.

Troopers, assisted by the State Police Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, attempted to stop a vehicle shortly after 1:50 p.m. on West Street in the village. State Police said the man allegedly pointed a handgun at an investigator and did not follow commands to disarm. A State Police member then fired a division-issued weapon, striking him.

The man was taken to Carthage Area Hospital in critical condition after law enforcement members provided medical aid, State Police said. No State Police members were injured.

Jefferson County dispatchers initially received a report of a person with a gunshot wound near West Street and South Washington Street shortly before 2 p.m. Yellow police tape was reported on West Street between South Washington and Thorpe streets as multiple law enforcement agencies responded.

The New York state Attorney General’s Office was notified. The investigation is ongoing.