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UPDATE: State Police investigate trooper-involved shooting in Ulster County

Update: February 17, 2026:

The suspect involved in the trooper-involved shooting in the town of Rochester is identified as Benjamin Scism, 33, of Accord, NY. He remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center. Scism is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 4th degree and menacing 2nd degree, both class A misdemeanors.

The State Police members involved are identified below. All are assigned to Troop F:

--Trooper Stephen A. Sawyer

--Trooper Jeremy D. Pekoff

--Trooper Ariel B. Grant

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. 

Original press release, February 16, 2026:

On February 16, 2026, at about 12:42 p.m., New York State Troopers from SP Ellenville responded to a report of a male subject holding a handgun while walking southbound on Queens Highway toward State Route 209 in the town of Rochester. Upon arrival, Troopers observed an individual matching the description provided by the caller to Ulster County 911.


Troopers issued multiple commands for the subject to show his hands; however, the individual refused to comply and subsequently displayed what appeared to be a handgun. At that point, Troopers discharged their duty weapons, striking the subject.


Troopers immediately rendered medical aid and requested emergency medical services. The individual was transported from the scene by Kerhonkson-Accord Rescue Ambulance and was subsequently airlifted to Westchester Medical Center, where he is listed in critical but stable condition.


The preliminary investigation has revealed that the handgun possessed by the individual, which is pictured above, was a pellet gun.


The names of those involved are being withheld at this time, but will be released with the next update.


Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the New York State Police SP Ellenville Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300

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