Malta, NY – A 69-year-old man was fatally shot by troopers on Wednesday after opening fire outside the New York State Police Saratoga Barracks in Malta, located in the Capital Region, authorities confirmed.
According to a statement released by State Police spokesperson Stephanie O’Neil, the incident unfolded around 1:43 p.m., when David M. Levine, a resident of Malta, approached the station’s parking lot armed with a long gun and began firing multiple rounds at the building, which was occupied at the time.
Troopers inside the barracks heard the gunfire and immediately observed Levine outside. Officers gave repeated commands for him to drop his weapon. Instead, Levine raised the firearm in the direction of the troopers, prompting them to return fire. Levine was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
No troopers or civilians inside the station were injured during the exchange, though investigators confirmed that Levine’s gunfire struck the building. The incident has raised concerns over the vulnerability of law enforcement facilities, even in smaller communities like Malta.
“All available evidence, including body-worn camera footage, confirms that the subject fired multiple rounds toward the station before troopers engaged,” O’Neil stated. However, she noted that the footage will not be released to the public while the investigation is ongoing.
The New York Attorney General’s Office has been notified of the fatal officer-involved shooting and responded to the scene, as required by state law when police use deadly force.
Authorities have not provided a motive for Levine’s actions, and it remains unclear whether he had any prior contact with law enforcement. Investigators are now working to determine what led him to target the barracks.
The incident is under joint investigation by the State Police and the Office of Special Investigation under the Attorney General’s Office. Community members are urged to remain patient as officials conduct a thorough review.