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Update: ID's Issued for Driver of Car Wanted in Connection to Attempted Homicide and the Officers Who Fatally Shot Him During I-87 Shoot-Out

Update: ID's Issued for Driver of Car Wanted in Connection to  Attempted Homicide and the Officers Who Fatally Shot Him During I-87 Shoot-Out

Rockland Daily Staff

Update January 4, 2:57 p.m. 

New York State police have released the name of the driver and the two officers involved in his demise during a shootout that took place after a traffic stop on I'87 yesterday. 

Troopers Steven J. Missale and Ronald Raymond were the officers who identified the 2009 Mercedes E350 traveling southbound on the New York State Thruway. The vehicle matched the description of one that state police were on the lookout for due to its connection to a drive shooting in Albany that morning.

Police identified the Mercedes driver as Rakim A. Tillery, 35, of Albany. Tillery was pronounced dead at the scene after he came out of the car shooting, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries for both officers, who were later released from the Westchester Medical Center. 

Drivers were unable to move for hours as investigators worked at the scene using tower lights and powered generators once it got dark.

***

Update: 9:05 p.m.

Emergency personnel are finally removing the body from the scene after the driver of a car wanted in an attempted homicide in Albany was shot by police this afternoon during a shoot-out on I-87 during an attempted arrest.

This significant move cleared up the traffic that has been at a standstill since 3 p.m.

***

Update: 6:25 p.m.

The driver of a car wanted in connection to an attempted homicide that took place earlier today on Hudson Avenue and Quail Street in Albany was killed on I-87 in Rockland in an exchange of gunfire with two state troopers.

The troopers pulled over the vehicle driving southbound on I-87, which matched the description of a vehicle wanted in connection with a drive-by shooting earlier today at around 1 p.m. in Albany.

The driver of the car opened fire at the officers when they attempted to apprehend him, whereupon the officers returned fire, killing the shooter. 

The victim of the drive-by shooting earlier in Albany is listed in grave condition at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

***

Update: 5:22 p.m. 

One New York State Police Trooper suffered minor injuries, and one civilian is dead, according to police, who shared that the suspect shot at officers during a traffic stop on I-87 in Hillburn. Officers fired back after being shot at, killing the gunman.

According to News12, the driver was pulled over after his vehicle was connected to a murder in Albany. 

***

Update: 4:38 p.m.

The fatal shooting of an armed suspect wanted for murder who subsequently shot and injured two police officers took place around 3:00 this afternoon. The two officers were taken to the hospital as a precaution after sustaining minor injuries during the incident, which began after they stopped the suspect in Hillburn while he was driving a white Mercedes Benz. 

***

Original Report:

Ongoing police activity in the Sloatsburg area has left the right and two center lanes blocked on I-87 South between Exit 15A (Sloatsburg) and Exit 14 (New Jersey I-287), causing significant delays in the area. 

Reports of a fatal police shooting of an individual at the scene wanted for a homicide say that the suspect was shot dead by police after he fired at and injured two officers. 

Official details will be shared when more information becomes available.


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