New York State Police Investigator Injured During Arrest Warrant Operation

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A New York State Police investigator was injured this morning while assisting partner agencies with the execution of an arrest warrant for Cedric Cundiff, 67, of Syracuse. As law enforcement members attempted to take Cundiff into custody, he barricaded himself inside a bedroom and struck the investigator, slashing his hand with a knife. The injured investigator was transported to the hospital and treated for lacerations and a fractured finger. Cundiff was tased and taken into custody without further incident.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and dangers that law enforcement officers face when executing arrest warrants, especially for violent suspects. It also raises questions about how to safely apprehend barricaded suspects to minimize harm to both officers and suspects.

The details

The state police investigator, who was part of the Troop D Felony Warrant Squad and detailed to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, was assisting members of the U.S. Marshals Service, the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office and New York State Parole at 2000 Lodi St., Apartment B, as they attempted to execute an arrest warrant for Cedric Cundiff. Cundiff is wanted in Massachusetts for a first-degree robbery involving a gun. When law enforcement tried to take Cundiff into custody, he barricaded himself inside a bedroom. The investigator, positioned behind a protective shield, attempted to enter the room when Cundiff struck, slashing the investigator's hand with a knife.

• The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m. on January 29, 2026.
• Cundiff is wanted in Massachusetts for a robbery that allegedly occurred prior to this incident.

What’s next

Cundiff is expected to face additional charges related to the assault on the officer. The injured investigator is expected to recover from his injuries.