Man With Pellet Gun Shot By New York State Troopers

The man was airlifted to the hospital in critical but stable condition after the Presidents' Day incident.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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New York State Police responded to a report of a man holding a handgun while walking on a Hudson Valley highway. When the man refused to comply with commands to show his hands and instead displayed what appeared to be a handgun, troopers discharged their weapons, striking the man. The handgun was later revealed to be a realistic-looking pellet gun.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges and risks faced by law enforcement when responding to reports of armed individuals, as well as the potential for tragic outcomes when realistic-looking replica firearms are involved. It also raises questions about de-escalation tactics and the use of force by police.

The details

On Monday around 12:42 p.m., New York State Troopers from SP Ellenville responded to a report of a man holding a handgun while walking southbound on Queens Highway toward State Route 209 in the town of Rochester. When troopers arrived, they encountered a man matching the description provided by the caller to Ulster County 911. Troopers say they issued multiple commands for the man to show his hands, but he refused to comply and instead displayed what appeared to be a handgun. At that point, the troopers report discharging their duty weapons, striking the man.

  • On Monday, at about 12:42 p.m., New York State Troopers responded to the incident.

The players

New York State Troopers

Law enforcement officers who responded to the report of a man with a handgun.

The man

A man who was walking on the highway and allegedly displayed what appeared to be a handgun, prompting the troopers to open fire.

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What they’re saying

“Troopers rendered medical aid and requested emergency medical services. The wounded man was transported from the scene by Kerhonkson-Accord Rescue Ambulance and was then airlifted to Westchester Medical Center, where he is listed in critical but stable condition, according to NYSP.”

— New York State Police (patch.com)

What’s next

The New York State Police are investigating the incident, and the man's condition will continue to be monitored at Westchester Medical Center.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for continued training and de-escalation tactics for law enforcement when responding to reports of armed individuals, as well as the importance of clear communication and compliance from civilians to avoid potentially tragic outcomes.