A male New York resident was fatally shot by a State Trooper on May 23 after attempting to enter the officer’s vehicle.

On May 23, at approximately 1:55 a.m., State Police responded to a report of a disabled vehicle blocking both lanes of travel on I-84 in the Town of Montgomery near exit 5A, according to a press release from Pierce Gallagher, New York State Police Major and Troop F Commander. As troopers arrived on the scene of the disabled vehicle, another call was received of a man walking on the westbound shoulder of I-84, near exit 5.

The responding troopers left the disabled vehicle to respond to the call of the man walking on I-84. Troopers found the man, Luke Patterson, 41, of Tannersville, NY. One trooper left the car to engage Patterson in conversation, while the other drove the vehicle beside them.

A preliminary investigation by state police found Patterson was not cooperative with the troopers and refused to comply with commands multiple times. When Patterson made a move to enter the car, one trooper fired his division-issued firearm, wounding Patterson.

The troopers immediately called for assistance and treated Patterson at the scene. Patterson was transported to Orange Regional Medical Center, where he died.

The state police are conducting an administrative investigation into the shooting and a criminal investigation with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Troopers responding to the disabled vehicle were assisted by a commercial motor vehicle from the roadway. State police would like to speak with this driver, and anyone else who may have been traveling on I-84 who may have witnessed any portion of the incident. State police can be contacted at 845-344-5300.