Manhunt Underway After Border Patrol Shooting

Constable, New York - May 6, 2008

A manhunt is underway following a shooting involving Border Patrol agents in northern New York.

New York State Police say Border Patrol agents tried to stop two men on ATVs on Route 122 in Constable at about 10:10 p.m. Monday night, because they suspected the men were smuggling drugs. But the suspects took off.

About half an hour later, agents found one of the ATVs in a field. The agents approached on foot and the man on the ATV tried to run them down. So one of the agents fired his gun at the ATV and the suspect fled again.

"There was only one ATV operator involved at the time of the discharge of the agent's firearm. It was at that time the individual attempted to run down the two officers who were on foot with the ATV," explained N.Y. State Police Maj. Richard Smith.

A short time after the agent shot at the suspect, Franklin County 911 received a call for a man with a gunshot wound. That's where agents found Timothy Fleury, 25. He was taken to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington where he is listed in fair condition.

The other suspect is still on the run. More than 25 police officers searched the area all day Tuesday looking for clues.

"The border patrol came by here and flashed the light on the house. I didn't know what was going on and went to the neighbors. Then I saw another border patrol car going fast and a car leaving the neighbors. Then I see another border patrol going fast and a car leaving the neighbors and the border patrol after it," said Theresa Hearte, who was awakened by the shooting Monday night.

"There's potential charges of possession of marijuana, conspiracy, distribution, as well as anyone associated with these people," explained Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne.

The police do not know who the other man is, but they say he is not a danger to the public and they hope to find him soon.

Jack LaDuke - WCAX News