Urgent Officer-Involved Shooting in Troy Leaves Suspect Critical

UPDATE: A dramatic officer-involved shooting unfolded in downtown Troy, New York, on Saturday night, leaving the suspect critically injured. At approximately 10 p.m., the Troy Police Department responded to a frantic 911 call from a woman claiming her ex-partner was pursuing her while armed.

The suspect, identified as Michael Rodriguez, 41, allegedly threatened the victim with a handgun at her residence on Ferry Street. Following the woman’s report, officers quickly located Rodriguez walking east on Ferry Street. As officers approached, Rodriguez unexpectedly opened fire on them, prompting a return of gunfire from the police.

Both officers sought cover while engaging with Rodriguez, who then fled into a nearby parking area. He was apprehended shortly after, having dropped his weapon and illegal narcotics. Emergency responders rushed him to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The two officers involved were evaluated for their physical well-being but were reported as unharmed. Chief of Police Daniel DeWolf stated, “I remain immensely proud of our department’s members and their commitment to serve our Troy community.”

The victim, who managed to escape the incident, was unharmed, but the psychological impact of the event is expected to be profound. Mayor Carmella R. Mantello expressed relief that no community members were injured, emphasizing the unpredictability of routine calls escalating into dangerous situations.

Rodriguez is currently in police custody and will face multiple charges stemming from the incident. He is on parole for a 2019 conviction related to attempted murder and weapon possession. The Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office is actively involved in the ongoing investigation and prosecution of this case.

The community is urged to remain vigilant, and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to reach out to the Troy Police Department at (518) 270-4411. Authorities continue to investigate this alarming incident, highlighting the bravery of law enforcement in the face of imminent danger.