HERKIMER COUNTY, N.Y. -
Police say they have shot and killed a man suspected in the shooting deaths of four men in Herkimer County.
Police
say they entered an abandoned building on Main Street in the village of
Herkimer sheltering 64-year-old Kurt Myers around 8 a.m. on Thursday.
They say Myers shot a police dog and officers returned fire, killing him.
State Police say a press conference has been scheduled to discuss the incident.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo traveled to the small village on Wednesday in the midst of a manhunt for Myers.
On
Wednesday shortly before 9:30 a.m., police believe Myers set a building
on fire at 32 South Washington Street in the village of Mohawk.
Police
say he then went to John's Barber Shop at 17 Main Street, where he shot
and killed two people and injured two others. They believe he used a
shotgun.
About five minutes later, police say he shot and killed
two people at Gaffey's Jiffy Lube at 320 Mohawk Street in the village of
Herkimer.
State Police identified the following victims from the shooting at John's Barber Shop:
• Harry M. Montgomery, 68, of Mohawk was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Michael G. Rancear, 57, of Herkimer was pronounced dead at the scene.
• John Seymour, owner of the barber shop is listed in critical condition at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica.
• Dan Haslauer, a customer, is listed in critical condition at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.
State Police identified the following victims from the shooting at Gaffey's Jiffy Lube:
• Thomas Stefka, an employee, was killed.
• Michael L. Renshaw, a NYS Corrections employee, was also killed.
Statement from Governor Cuomo:
"This morning law enforcement officials entered the building and, after being fired upon, shot and killed the suspect, Kurt Myers. There were no injuries to law enforcement officials, though an FBI police dog was fatally shot. We commend the courage and extraordinary efforts of the state police, the FBI, and local law enforcement officials in finding the suspect and ending this horrific spree of violence and bloodshed. It is now time for mourning those who we lost in this senseless act of violence. In the darkest of times, the bravery, kindness, and the spirit of community of New Yorkers shines the brightest, and that is what we saw yesterday in Herkimer and Mohawk as the community came together during this difficult time. The thoughts and prayers of my family and of all New Yorkers are with the friends and loved ones of the victims."
