WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – State police have released the names of the suspect and trooper who were involved in last Friday’s shootout in the Lewis County town of Diana.
Officials identified the suspect as Victor Craighead, 47, of Harrisville.
Police said he walked out of his home at 7654 Alpine Road armed with a long gun and fired at law enforcement.
They said Trooper Timothy Dovi shot him with his division-issued firearm. Craighead was pronounced dead at the scene.
Trooper Dovi, who was not injured, has been a member of the New York State Police for more than nine years and is assigned to the Special Operations Response Team.
He is currently on critical incident leave.
Craighead’s sister, René, doesn’t believe that her brother would do something like this.
“My brother does not have a police record. We are not killers. We are not killers. We would never harm you or kill you,” she said.
Police said multiple body-worn cameras captured the incident, but the footage is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
The shooting happened after police responded to a trespassing complaint at 7601 Alpine Road. The homeowner notified police that someone with a long gun was on their property.
While responding to that report, troopers found a dead body inside a burned vehicle. A second body was later found nearby, also inside a burned vehicle.
During the investigation, police said Craighead came out of his home and shot at the trooper.
“I seen the burnt vehicles come out and whatnot. That’s how I knew who it was for sure. This is a small community, it’s pretty sad. I mean the guy lived off the grid, you know what I mean? There was no power up there. He lived off the grid.”
René Craighead says she wants more proof her brother did it, and admits Craighead’s mindset toward the believed victims was souring – instigated by neighbors.
“My brother’s mind was slowly going because these people were constantly filling his head, manipulating him,” she said.
Troopers said autopsies on the two bodies were scheduled for Monday. Police said they expect to release the names of the people once the medical examiner’s office confirms their identities.
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