Update: 6:20 P.M: Grandson Kills Grandfather Then Kills Himself at Letchworth State Park Ending The Manhunt
Irondequoit Chief Scott Peters released further detailed information regarding the shooting in the City of Irondequoit, and the manhunt at Letchworth State Park today.
Chief Scott Peters said 911 dispatchers received a call around 5:48 A.M. from a hysterical female who kept saying “blood is everywhere.” Police and medical personnel arrived to find 80-Year-old, Joseph De Ponceau was shot in the upper torso area and was lying near the front door of 500 Pinegrove Avenue. They advised it was apparent that he was already deceased. The 911 call was made by the victim’s girlfriend. The girlfriend told Police what had happened and identified the suspect.
There were security cameras at the residence that captured the entire incident. It was found that the victim was shot by his grandson, 24-year-old Andrew Vahey, who lived down the street at 522 Pinegrove Avenue.
Police immediately setup a perimeter around 522 Pinegrove Avene as they thought Andrew could still be at that house. About 7:20 A.M, Police were finally able to make contact with Andrew’s roommate, who said Andrew was not at the residence. Police searched and didn’t find Andrew. The roommate told police that he received a text from Andrew that said, “I killed my grandfather and now I’m going to kill myself.”
After using technology, and information from texts family members and others received from Andrew, it was determined he was at Letchworth State Park. Letchworth State Park is about 45 minutes from the homicide location. Police say Andrew has no ties to the Letchworth State Park, so they are not sure why he had chosen that location.
Police are not sure, but it seemed the motive was a dispute over property. About two weeks ago the police responded to Pinegrove for a dispute between Joseph and Andrew about an issue with vehicles parking on the grass. Apparently there has been other recent issues about property disputes.
The New York State Police and Park Police were contacted, and the Park Police located Andrew’s vehicle. They contacted multiple agencies to setup a perimeter and evacuate the campgrounds and area for people’s safety. New York State Police helicopters were called to search the area. An alert to shelter in place was sent to residents.
The New York State Police SORT (Special Operations Response Team) arrived around 9:00 A.M. to search for Andrew on foot. Around 12:30 P.M. The SORT team located Andrew in a wooded area near the campgrounds. Andrew had a long gun and immediately shot himself after the SORT team started to negotiate with him. Police attempted to medically treat Andrew, but he had died shortly after pulling the trigger.
Police Chief Scott Peters said that “the neighborhood is like any other neighborhood”, and he further said that the family is hurting as they lost both a grandfather and grandson today.
Police Chief Scott Peters said the investigation is over due to the security footage and other evidence.
Update: 4:00 P.M: Letchworth State Park Reopened After Manhunt
New York State Police said that the Letchworth State Park is now reopened. A witness we had spoken to earlier, Timothy Reaster, said they are now able to reenter the campgrounds. “It is good that no Officers or any visitors were injured,” said Timothy.
We do not know the condition or name of the suspect at this time. The Irondequoit Police Department said they would be releasing further information in the next hours.
We will continue to update you on this incident.
Letchworth State Park Homicide Suspect in Custody After Shooting Themselves
Update: 1:00 P.M. EST 06/27/2024: Suspect Located at Letchworth State Park
Police Report Suspect in Custody After Shooting Themselves
Police advise the suspect was located and the suspect had apparently shot himself. He is currently being medically treated at the Letchworth State Park near the Perry entrance. No further information is being released at this time.
A Letchworth State Park representative said that the New York State Police told them the situation is resolved. However, the park will remain closed. A flat bed tow truck was observed driving in the entrance where police were located to possibly tow the suspect’s vehicle.
Hiker, Diane Rollins told us she was with her family and hiking in the park when several people and workers told them about the incident. They immediately was trying to get back to their car. While traveling back to their car, they observed police helicopters and New York State Police Officers searching the area. She is glad to know that the suspect has been arrested and she is eager to get back to hiking when it reopens.
Timothy Reaster said he was camping at the campgrounds when they saw the helicopters overhead. He said people were joking about it being a manhunt. Shortly later several Police Officers went from camp to camp and ordered everyone to evacuate. He said they were told to evacuate around 10:30 A.M. Timothy and others went to nearby businesses during the manhunt.
Police say the suspect lives a few houses from the victim’s house. They surrounded the suspect’s house earlier today as they thought the suspect could be there. After a search, the suspect was determined to not be there and was on the run. They would not advise how they were informed that the suspect was at the Letchworth State Park.
Police have not yet identified the suspect.
Letchworth State Park Closed as Police Search for Homicide Suspect
The Letchworth State Park in New York is closed, and Police ask everyone to stay away from the area as they search for a dangerous suspect who they say has committed homicide.
Police say the homicide occurred in Irondequoit from a shooting in the area of Pinegrove Avenue near Oak Ridge Drive. Police were notified around 5:45 A.M. today after the 80-year-old victim was found by his wife. Police investigated and identified a suspect and searched another nearby house. Police think this was a targeted attack and the suspect is not going after anyone else. However, you should avoid the area.
Police would not provide the public the suspect’s name. However, they said to be on the lookout for a gray Acura Integra which the suspect could be driving.
We are currently attempting to find out additional information and will inform you when we do receive more details.
Original report: Thursday June 27, 2024
