Police identify shooting suspect killed in exchange of gunfire with troopers on Thruway

The incident originated in Albany just after 1 p.m. when police responded to a shooting, finding a critically injured individual with a gunshot wound to the head.

Lisa LaRocca

Jan 4, 2024, 10:32 AM

Updated 127 days ago

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State troopers killed a shooting suspect who led authorities on a chase that started in Albany and ended on the New York State Thruway in Rockland County Wednesday.
The incident originated in Albany just after 1 p.m. when police responded to a shooting, finding a critically injured individual with a gunshot wound to the head.
Meanwhile, law enforcement began tracking the suspect’s vehicle using various city cameras.
The pursuit led to the I-87 southbound, triggering an alert.
At approximately 2:53 p.m., Troopers Steven J. Missale and Ronald Raymond observed a 2009 Mercedes E350 traveling southbound on I-87 in the area of mile marker 30.7, between Exit 15 (NJ/I-287) and Exit 15A (Sloatsburg). The vehicle matched the description of the suspect vehicle. 
A traffic stop was conducted on the Mercedes.  
Authorities say the driver, later identified as Rakim A. Tillery, 35, of Albany, immediately fired on the troopers who both returned fire, striking Tillery.  
Tillery was pronounced dead at the scene.  
Missale and Raymond were transported to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of injuries and later released.  
Authorities say the Albany shooting was a targeted attack. That victim is in the hospital in critical condition.
The Thruway was closed for hours for the investigation but has returned to normal.
Given the fatal police-involved shooting, the state Attorney General's Office is now mandated to lead the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 845-344-5300.


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