ALBANY, N.Y. – A man was shot on Wednesday afternoon in Albany, NY, triggering a manhunt for the suspected shooter. The incident led to a trooper-involved shooting after the suspect, identified as Rakim A. Tillery, was located and pursued on the New York State Thruway. The situation escalated when Tillery allegedly fired at the troopers, resulting in a deadly exchange of gunfire.
According to State Police, the incident began when Albany police responded to reports of a shooting near Quail Street. The authorities then issued a bulletin for a white Mercedes, which was believed to be the vehicle driven by the suspected shooter. Troopers Steven J. Missale and Ronald Raymond spotted a vehicle matching the description and attempted to stop Tillery in the town of Ramapo, located over 100 miles away from the initial incident. It was during this encounter that Tillery reportedly opened fire on the troopers, resulting in the fatal shooting.
Tillery was pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured troopers were transported to Westchester Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. The victim of the initial shooting on Hudson Avenue remains in critical condition at Albany Medical Center Hospital, as per Albany police spokeswoman Megan Craft. The investigation is ongoing, and State Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The troopers involved in the shooting, Missale and Raymond, both have a history in law enforcement. Missale is a 23-year veteran of the force, while Raymond joined the force in 2016, according to previous news reports. The incident has raised concerns about the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, prompting further discussions about safety measures and protocols in such situations.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the State Police continue to urge the public to provide any relevant information by contacting them directly. The deadly encounter serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges law enforcement officers encounter while carrying out their duties.