OLEAN, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Police say a 23-year-old Olean man is in guarded condition after he was shot by three police officers.
Authorities say state troopers responded to North 7th Street Wednesday just after 12:45 a.m. for reports of a suicidal individual.
WATCH: Police provided an update Wednesday afternoon on the investigation
Responding officers say they found the man, identified as Thomas Wright, walking along the sidewalk. Authorities say Wright pointed a black handgun at officers after they tried to engage with him. All three responding officers then reportedly fired their guns, shooting Wright multiple times.
Police say they tried to render emergency medical aid to Wright. He was then taken to Olean General Hospital before being taken to Erie County Medical Center, where he remains in guarded condition.
Investigators say they later determined Wright was in possession of a BB gun that was recovered at the scene.
New York State Police say charges are pending.
Major Amie Feroleto, commander of NYSP Troop A, said at an afternoon news conference that troopers have had previous interactions with Wright.
Records show that on July 9, 2022, he was involved in an eerily similar incident in Machias.
In that incident, a trooper shot him after he allegedly brandished a baseball bat and then an airsoft pistol at a trooper.
State police did not release the names of the troopers involved in Wednesday's shooting, but Feroleto said that their names would be released in the near future, along with body camera footage.
