Upstate New York Shooting Update: Suspected gunman Kurt Myers still at large, police say
(CBS) HERKIMER, N.Y. - Police in the Mohawk Valley in upstate New York are continuing to search for Kurt Myers, the suspected gunman in the shootings that took place Wednesday at two different locations a mile apart, leaving four people dead and two injured, police say.
Supt. Joseph D'Amico of the New York State Police held a press conference with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Wednesday afternoon and notified the public that the 64-year-old Myers remains at large.
Police say Myers set his residence on fire around 9:30a.m.Wednesday before traveling to John's Barber Shop in Mohawk and shooting four people.
According to D'Amico, Myers fatally shot two men, ages 58 and 57, at the barbershop in an unprovoked attack. Two others, who were also shot there, were transported to a local hospital where they were in critical condition.
Police said that after leaving the barbershop, Myers drove to Gaffey's car wash in Herkimer, N.Y., where he fatally shot two other men, one in his 50s and the other 60, in another apparently unprovoked attack.
Myers then fled the scene in his vehicle and went to an abandoned building in Herkimer where he is believed to be now. Police recovered the suspect's vehicle at the scene and are in the process of searching the location. According to Supt. D'Amico, shots were fired at police at this location and law enforcement returned fire. No one was hit.
Officials are reportedly concerned about the safety of officers and are in no rush to bring this to a conclusion, D'amico says.
Governor Cuomo called Wednesday's events an "inexplicable situation" and said there is "no apparent rational motive to provoke these attacks."
Earlier Wednesday, officials said guns and ammunition were found inside Myers' burned out apartment.
Police have confirmed that Myers has one previous arrest on his record for driving under the influence of alcohol.
People in the area are advised to stay home, away from the standoff until it comes to a conclusion.
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