Clarkstown Officer Shot New City Gunman

A man who held police at bay for several hours overnight in New City was shot and killed by a member of the department’s Critical Incident Response Team, Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan said at a press briefing earlier today.

The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

Sullivan said Vincent Cordaro, 57, of was armed with both a shotgun and a high-powered rifle with a scope.

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• Police Standoff on Little Tor Road
• UPDATE: Gunman in Little Tor Road Standoff Identified

Here is the statement from the Clarkstown police:

The Clarkstown Police Department conducted a press conference today to update the public on the unfortunate incident that occurred at 67 N. Little Tor Road in New City late last night and early this morning.

At 7pm last night, a domestic incident was reported to the police department. Three family members reported that their relative, a 57 year old male, had threatened to shoot them and shoot any police officers who respond to the residence. Upon Clarkstown Police Department’s arrival on scene, the suspect identified as Vincent Cordaro of 67 N. Little Tor Road, shot numerous rifle rounds at officers.

At 8:10 pm the Clarkstown Critical Incident Response Team was deployed, a perimeter was established, negotiations with crisis negotiators began and residents were informed to stay in their homes by way of the Everbridge Emergency Notification System utilized by the Town of Clarkstown.

At 11:35 pm after a few hours of trying to convince Cordaro to come out, gas was introduced into the residence to force Cordaro to leave the residence. As the Critical Incident Response Team deployed gas, Cordaro continued to shoot numerous times at the officers. One of the tactical team officers fired one round at the suspect. The suspects’ movement ceased and there was no conversation between the negotiators and the suspect. Sometime after 1:00 am, entry was made into the residence and the body of the suspect was found in the bedroom. The suspect was pronounced dead at 2:47 am.

This incident is an active police investigation. We ask any residents living in the immediate area check their property for any damage or anything unusual and contact the Clarkstown Police Department of their findings.

PHOTO: Press conference Feb. 9, 2015/Town of Clarkstown