NYSP news release
OGDENSBURG, NY — On August 11, 2023, an autopsy was conducted at Canton-Potsdam Hospital on Shawn G. Sheridan, by Pathologist, Doctor Scott Lapoint. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound.
On August 10, 2023, Trooper Connor Sutton, assigned to SP Ogdensburg, and K9 Skiff were assisting the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department in locating a wanted fugitive. Trooper Sutton and K9 Skiff were approaching the fugitive, K9 Skiff was deployed ahead of law enforcement in an attempt to detain the fugitive. Sheridan then shot a round in the direction of the K9 and the Trooper. Despite being injured, K9 Skiff followed through on her commands from K9 Handler Sutton to incapacitate the fugitive who was heavily armed with ammunition and prepared for a shootout. Although Trooper Sutton believed Skiff was seriously injured, he was able to remain poised and returned fire striking the suspect.
After further investigation, K9 Skiff was transported to Canton Animal Clinic in Canton, NY for evaluation. K9 Skiff sustained minor injury to her right front paw and was treated and released. Trooper Sutton was unharmed.
This investigation remains ongoing.
State Police have identified the suspect as Shawn G. Sheridan, age 34, of Canton, NY. Sheridan was located in a remote wooded area by members of the New York State Police and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. Sheridan was heavily armed and fired upon law enforcement. Gunfire was exchanged and Sheridan was pronounced deceased at the scene.
An autopsy is scheduled for August 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.
Pursuant to Executive Law Section 70-b, the New York State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident in conjunction with the New York State Police.
The investigation is ongoing and future updates will be posted on the NYSP Newsroom as they become available.
State Police is currently investigating a Trooper-involved shooting that occurred on Donnerville Road in the town of Russell, St. Lawrence County.
At approximately 12:50 p.m., State Police along with members from the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office were searching a wooded area along Donnerville Road for a wanted fugitive when a State Trooper along with his K9 partner were fired upon.
The Trooper was not injured during the incident. The State Police K9 was struck by the suspect’s gunfire and has been transported to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
The suspect was shot by a State Trooper and pronounced deceased at the scene.
More details will be released as they become available.