(WNY News Now) – OLEAN, N.Y. — Three New York State Troopers shot a man early Wednesday morning in Olean after he allegedly pointed a gun at them, authorities said.
The incident occurred at 12:47 a.m. on North Seventh Street, according to a state police news release. The firearm, later identified as a BB gun, was recovered at the scene.
The man, identified as 23-year-old Thomas A. Wright, was listed in critical but guarded condition Wednesday afternoon, Troop A Superintendent Amie Feroleto stated in a news conference.
Body-worn camera footage showed Wright “clearly” pointing the weapon at one of the troopers, Feroleto said. The footage will be released publicly at a later date.
Troopers had been searching for Wright after a family member expressed concerns about his well-being, reporting that he had made statements about taking his own life. Upon locating him, officers attempted to engage, but Wright did not respond to their verbal commands, Feroleto explained.
“He was not communicating with us at all,” she said.
Police observed a firearm in Wright’s waistband but stated he did not draw it until later in the encounter. Troopers issued commands for Wright to drop the weapon before firing their own, according to authorities.
All three involved officers—two troopers and a sergeant—discharged their weapons. The number of rounds fired remains under investigation.
The encounter lasted approximately 11 minutes before the shooting, Feroleto said. Wright was initially taken to Olean General Hospital and later transferred to Erie County Medical Center for further treatment.
The names of the troopers involved have not been released. They have been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
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