On Tuesday, Benjamin Lead, 32, of Phelps, surrendered to New York State Police investigators following an investigation into a road rage shooting that injured a woman in the town of Arcadia.
The incident began on June 17, at approximately 8:53 p.m. State Police responded to a report of a shooting involving two vehicles. The victims reported that while traveling westbound on State Route 31 after leaving a business in the village of Newark, they were followed by another vehicle. The suspect vehicle allegedly continued following them onto Whitbeck Road and Stebbins Road, where a single gunshot was fired through the victims’ vehicle.
The projectile shattered the rear windshield, passed through the passenger compartment, grazed the driver’s headrest, and exited through the front windshield. The female driver sustained a laceration to her right forearm and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Through the course of the investigation, Troopers identified Lead as the suspect. On June 18, State Police executed search warrants at residences in the village and town of Phelps. During the search, investigators recovered a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber pistol, ammunition, and additional evidence.
Lead was charged with Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. He was released from the Wayne County Jail following his arraignment.
Members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Troop E Forensic Identification Unit, and K9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation.
