On behalf of Mayor Carmella R. Mantello and Chief Dan DeWolf
Saturday night shortly before 10pm Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety Dispatchers received a 911 emergency call from an adult female who reported that she was being chased by an ex-partner at her residence on Ferry Street, and that the suspect not only possessed a handgun but had held it to her head in a threatening manner. The male suspect fled the residence and began walking eastbound on Ferry Street towards 6th Avenue. The female caller kept the suspect in her sights and reported his actions to the Emergency Services Dispatcher. Troy Police Patrol Officers immediately responded to the area and located the suspect walking on the sidewalk of Ferry Street near 6th Avenue.
As two initially arriving Patrol Officers began to exit their vehicles and initiate verbal contact the male suspect turned and began firing multiple shots at the officers without provocation. Both Patrol Officers, in line with their training, returned gunfire while also attempting to seek cover from the suspect’s gunfire. The female victim of the original domestic incident fled westbound on foot. The male suspect began to flee through the parking area of an apartment building and shortly thereafter fell to the ground dropping his firearm (pictured) and illegal narcotics. Additional officers were responding as the incident unfolded and a group of Patrol Officers approached the male suspect to secure his weapon and render medical aid. Troy Fire Department personnel simultaneously responded, continued the medical aid provided to the suspect and he was then transported to a local area hospital where he is currently in critical condition. The two initial responding Patrol Officers were brought to a local area hospital for evaluation, we are thankful they were not physically injured. The involved officers identities will be released in the near future. The female victim was not physically injured during the incident.
Various specialty units of the Troy Police Department have responded to assist in the continuing investigation. We are also grateful to various units from the New York State Police (Road Patrol, Criminal Investigations & Forensic Video/Multi-Media Services) who were on scene nearly instantaneously to support the investigation. We also thank the Troy Fire Department, Emergency Room staff and Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety Dispatchers for their professional services throughout the incident.
The suspect has been identified as Michael Rodriguez (Age: 41, Troy). He is currently in police custody at a local area hospital and will face charges due to his actions during the incident. Mr. Rodriguez is a parolee currently supervised by the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. NYS DOCCS personnel have also provided beneficial support during tonight’s incident. Mr. Rodriguez is on parole in regards to a 2019 incident in Troy where he originally faced charges of Attempted Murder, Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Reckless Endangerment and was convicted upon a plea of guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Prosecutors from the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office have responded to the scene of tonight’s incident and will be handling prosecution of any associated charges.
It is nothing short of a miracle that no other individuals, Troy Police Officers or other community members, were injured by the suspect’s deadly actions tonight. An individual purposefully firing bullets at arriving, uniformed police officers does not represent what the Troy Community is and will continue to be. The involved officers relied upon their extensive training, experience and bravery while responding to the suspect’s deadly behaviors. We are eternally grateful the responding officers are able to return to their families tonight.
Mayor Carmella R. Mantello said ““I am grateful to the selfless and dedicated men and women of our Troy Police Department. Tonight’s incident is a stark reminder that at any moment, even a seemingly routine call can escalate into a critical and dangerous situation. I am deeply relieved that our officers and the community are unharmed. We will continue to support our police department as the investigation proceeds and ensure that justice is served accordingly.”
Chief of Police Daniel P. DeWolf said “While the initial response has concluded, the trauma endured by the involved officers remains. We are committed to the full support of our members, utilizing a variety of available resources as they navigate the days ahead. I remain immensely proud of our department’s members and their commitment to serve our Troy community.”
The collective efforts of public safety do not stop. We all remain committed to serving our community, utilizing any resources and all partnerships available. If you have information regarding this incident and have not yet been interviewed by a Detective please contact Troy PD at (518) 270-4411. The collective effort between the Mayor, administration and Troy Police Department remains strong, and we are all committed to creating a safer, cleaner Troy.