David Levine Obituary, Death; – A 69-year-old man, named David Levine from Malta, was fatally shot by police after he opened fire at the Saratoga State Police barracks located on Route 9. The event took place around 1:40 p.m. when Levine arrived in a red truck, exited the vehicle, and began shooting at the building with a long firearm.
Major Christopher Gilroy, the Commander of Troop G, stated, “Troopers ordered Mr. Levine to drop his weapon. Mr. Levine did not comply with multiple commands and aimed his firearm at the troopers, prompting them to discharge their department-issued weapons, which resulted in his fatal injury.”
According to state police, Levine had discharged several rounds before the officers intervened. Initially, local businesses misidentified the gunfire as a car backfiring.
Andrew Gaetano, a physical therapy doctor at Capital Area Physical Therapy and Wellness, recounted, “We stepped outside and could see through the tree line. There was a body on the ground. We were uncertain if it was a police officer or what was happening, but at that moment, the ambulance was arriving.”
Gaetano expressed his astonishment at the occurrence, highlighting the area’s reputation for safety. “This is a secure location; we have the trooper barracks, the fire station, and EMTs right nearby. It doesn’t get safer than that. I’ve lived in this area for 12 years, and nothing like this has ever happened,” he remarked.
The road, which had been closed, has now reopened. State police have announced that the incident is currently under investigation, and body camera footage will not be released at this time. Further details regarding the officers involved are anticipated to be disclosed on Thursday.
