State Route 414 in the Schuyler County town of Dix was closed in both directions for most of the day Saturday after police responded to the report of gunfire at Mill Hill Road shortly before 8 a.m. Upon arrival, officers encountered an ongoing situation and subsequent information led them to a secondary location on State Route 414 in the town of Catlin.
Protocols to neutralize the situation and ensure the safety of civilians were immediately implemented. Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, along with the assistance of Chemung and Steuben County Sheriff’s Offices, Watkins Glen Police, and the New York State Police, secured the area and initiated an investigation into the incident. Several Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Personnel were also staged at the scene to provide medical assistance.
The suspect has been identified as 40-year-old Rexford Smith, also known as ‘Ely’, of Catlin. His whereabouts are currently unknown, and he could possibly be armed with a firearm. Investigators urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office at 607-535-8222. The sheriff’s office says any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to their investigation.
The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office said it is currently working diligently to gather additional information and the area remains an active crime scene as law enforcement continues to investigate the incident and apprehend the suspect involved. They believe this is an isolated incident, and there is no direct threat to the public.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
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