Cops: (NYS) Trooper who fatally shot driver acted in self-defense

[phantasm]

Cops: Trooper who fatally shot driver acted in self-defense

Cops: Trooper who fatally shot driver acted in self-defense

The state trooper who shot and killed a driver on the Robert Moses Causeway Sunday acted in self-defense after the man took the trooper's police baton and used it to hit the trooper several times in the face and head, state police said in a statement Monday.

Police identified the driver as Steven Barraco, 42, of Deer Park, and the trooper as a five-year member of the State Police.

The altercation between Barraco and the trooper, 29, began after the trooper observed Barraco making an illegal u-turn over a median on the causeway, Maj. Walter Heesch said in a statement.

Barraco then drove through a stop sign and accelerated to more than 100 mph as the trooper began pursuit, Heesch said.

The trooper chased Barraco for about 3.25 miles before Barraco ditched his vehicle on a traffic median and attempted to flee on foot, Heesch said. A "violent struggle," in which Barraco was able to get control of the trooper's police baton, ensued after the trooper pursued Barraco on foot, Heesch said.

"Barraco got on top of the Trooper and continued to strike the Trooper on the head with the baton," Heesch's statement said. "The Trooper is able to draw his Glock .45 caliber handgun and fired one round which struck Barraco in his upper body."

The trooper, who was later treated and released from a hospital, lost consciousness as the wounded Barraco attempted to flee on foot, Heesch said. Two motorists tackled and subdued Barraco not far from the scene until more police and emergency service workers could arrive, Heesch said.

Barraco was pronounced dead at the scene, Heesch said. Barraco, whose license was suspended at the time, had a small amount of marijuana in his car, he said.

The case remains under investigation, Heesch's statement read.

[Twan007]

good job following rule number 1

and damn good job getting a round off before losing consciousness... that could've had a very different outcome

prayers for a quick recovery

[Captain America]

good job following rule number 1

and damn good job getting a round off before losing consciousness... that could've had a very different outcome

prayers for a quick recovery

Works for me. Ditto on the quick recovery.

[pnasty0311]

Good shooting red team get you a case of beer for that one.

[2 Blue 4 U]

good job following rule number 1

and damn good job getting a round off before losing consciousness... that could've had a very different outcome

prayers for a quick recovery

For sure! Thank goodness!

[Five-0]

Glad he was able to press on and save his own life. Get well soon Trooper.

[Buttercup]

Thoughts and prayers for the officer's quick recovery.

[phantasm]

Press Release:

On September 13, 2009, at about 3:15pm, a Trooper assigned to the Brentwood Barracks age 29, with 5 years of service, was parked in the center median of the Robert Moses Causeway in the Town of Islip, approximately 3 tenths of a mile North of the Main Span. The State Police vehicle was a fully marked patrol vehicle and was clearly visible to traffic. The Trooper observed a 1998 Toyota Camry southbound on the Robert Moses Causeway.
The Camry was observed making an illegal U-turn over the grass median and drove off northbound on the Causeway. The Trooper then watched the Camry make another U-turn, this time a legal U-turn from northbound to southbound. The operator disobeyed a stop sign at the end of the legal U-turn and drove away southbound on the Robert Moses heading over the Main Span. The Trooper attempted to stop the Camry which accelerated at speeds in excess of 100mph. The Trooper notified State Police communications of a pursuit which lasted approximately 3.25 miles and ended just north of the exit for Captree Island.
The operator of the Camry attempted to elude police by crossing back over the center median to head northbound. The vehicle failed to make it through the median, becoming disabled in the heavy brush and small trees. The operator and sole occupant of the Camry, Steven Barraco, age 42, last known address of 172 West 4th St. Deer Park NY, exited his vehicle and fled on foot northbound. The Trooper notified State Police communications of his location and began to pursue Barraco on foot.
After a brief foot pursuit, Barraco turned to the Trooper and verbally threaten the Trooper's life and a violent struggle ensued. This altercation moved towards the right shoulder of the highway and crossed back over the northbound lanes to the center median. Barraco repeatedly punched the Trooper in his head and face with his fists. The Trooper engaged Barraco with a State Police issued expandable baton. Barraco was struck at least twice with the baton with no noticeable effect.
As the violent struggle continued the Trooper lost control of the baton and Barraco was able to acquire it. Barraco began to repeatedly strike the Trooper on the head and face with the baton, and drove him to the ground. Barraco got on top of the Trooper and continued to strike the Trooper on the head with the baton.
The Trooper is able to draw his Glock .45 caliber handgun and fired one round which struck Barraco in his upper body. The Trooper lost consciousness and Barraco attempted to flee the scene by crossing through the wooded center median and across the southbound lanes where he was observed by witnesses throwing the baton over his back onto the west shoulder. Numerous motorists stopped to assist the Trooper.
Two motorists who witnessed the altercation gave chase to Barraco and were able to tackle and subdue him. Barraco was detained until additional police could arrive on the scene.
New York State Police personnel attempted to give first aid and CPR to Barraco, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Trooper was transported via police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was treated and released for injuries to his face and head.
A search of Barraco's 1998 Camry revealed that he had been in possession of 2 "billy" clubs and a small amount of marihuana.
Barraco's driver's license was currently suspended for failure to answer a summons in the Village of Huntington Bay.
The investigation is continuing, and upon completion, will be forwarded to the Suffolk County District Attorney for approprate action.
For further information contact Troop "L" Major Case Unit (631) 756-3390

[Jenna]

Hope the trooper recovers quickly.

[CTR man]

Get well soon Trooper.

Great job on the part of the civilians who chose to get involved and assist the officer in his time of need and restraining the suspect.

[Wolven]

'Numerous motorists stopped to assist the Trooper.'

To the un-named motorists who assisted...thank you.

Speedy recovery to the trooper.

[cwtlady]

Very hard to read about the Trooper's injuries but relieved to hear he will be alright.

Be safe out there.

[BigDawg]

Hope he has a speedy and full recovery. To the persons who stopped and assisted him; Thank-You from all of us in Law Enforcement.