New York State Division of State Police

07/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2024 11:18

State Police, Attorney General's Office investigate Trooper invol...

On July 16, 2024, at approximately 2:20 a.m., New York State Police were involved in a vehicle pursuit on Rock Hill Drive in the Sullivan County town of Thompson. The driver of the vehicle, Albert Melendez, 32, of Middletown, NY, stopped and attempted to turn around at the intersection of Rock Hill Drive and Emerald Place. A Trooper exited his patrol vehicle and gave verbal commands for the Melendez to stop his vehicle. The vehicle continued forward and made contact with the Trooper who subsequently discharged his duty weapon striking Melendez. Troopers provided emergency medical care to Melendez, who was transported to Garnet Health Medical Center, where he died.

The Trooper involved in the incident was treated at Garnet Health Medical Center for minor injuries and released.

This incident is under investigation by the New York State Attorney General's Office with the assistance of the New York State Police.