New York State Police continue to investigate an officer-involved shooting that unfolded early Wednesday afternoon near Route 9. The situation escalated when a suspect reportedly pointed a shotgun at officers, prompting troopers to open fire.
This marks the latest in a string of high-intensity incidents involving police across the state. In recent weeks, one man from Malta was fatally shot after opening fire on a state police barracks. In another case, a Port Jervis woman was shot after allegedly pointing a weapon at troopers following a domestic stabbing.
In this most recent event, troopers arrested 45-year-old Billy G. Cassell III on April 23 in South Glens Falls. According to police, Cassell faces charges including second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and menacing a police officer—both felonies—along with additional violations.
Authorities say they were attempting to locate Cassell, a resident of Kingsbury, due to an active arrest warrant from Washington County. Troopers spotted him driving on State Route 9 and attempted a traffic stop. When Cassell failed to pull over, a chase ensued, ending when his vehicle crashed into a home at an intersection.
Police say Cassell fled the scene on foot carrying a loaded Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun. After a brief pursuit, troopers found him trying to hide near a residence. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, he reportedly raised the shotgun toward the officers. One trooper then fired, hitting Cassell in the right shoulder.
Troopers administered medical aid until EMS arrived. Cassell was transported to a local hospital, treated, and released later that evening. He was then processed, arraigned in town court, and remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail.
At the time of the crash, a passenger in Cassell’s vehicle also fled but was later apprehended by South Glens Falls Police.
