Key Takeaways
- A road rage incident in Orange County, New York, resulted in an off-duty police officer shooting a 31-year-old man, Wallace Fisher, who is in critical condition.
- The confrontation began when Fisher’s Volkswagen cut off the officer’s Toyota, leading to a verbal altercation that turned physical.
- Fisher allegedly pulled out a knife and took a swing at the officer, who then discharged his firearm, shooting Fisher twice.
- The incident is under investigation by state police, and no charges have been filed yet.
- The off-duty officer, Anthony Simon, has been placed on administrative duty until the investigation is concluded.
Introduction to the Incident
A shocking road rage incident in WAWAYANDA, New York, has left a man in critical condition after being shot by an off-duty police officer. The incident occurred on Thursday around 3:45 p.m. on Dolsontown Road near McVeigh Road. According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation began when the driver of a Volkswagen, 31-year-old Wallace Fisher, cut off the driver of a Toyota, 33-year-old Anthony Simon, an off-duty Kingston police officer. The incident escalated quickly, with Fisher getting out of his car and approaching Simon’s vehicle, leading to a verbal altercation that turned physical.
The Confrontation Escalates
Cellphone video captured the intense moment when Fisher allegedly pulled out a knife and took a swing at Simon. Although it is unclear in the video if Fisher is holding the knife as he takes a swing, eyewitnesses claim that he did indeed pull out a knife. The situation took a deadly turn when Simon, feeling threatened, discharged his firearm and shot Fisher twice in the neck and shoulder. Fisher was rushed to the hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition at Westchester Medical Center. The eyewitness who shot the video of the incident said he started rolling when he noticed the two cars swerving and cutting each other off, a spat that began when one cut the other off while exiting a car wash.
Investigation and Aftermath
The incident is currently under investigation by state police, who are reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses. So far, no charges have been filed, and the off-duty officer, Anthony Simon, has been placed on administrative duty until the investigation is concluded. The Kingston Police Department said that Simon has been employed by the department since 2022. Eyewitnesses, including Rob Parker, who shot the video of the incident, believe that the situation could have been avoided if both parties had exercised restraint. Parker stated, "When he got out the car, he could have left. The same way I watched him swerve lane to lane and he get out the way or him the boy from passing. I feel like the whole thing could have been avoided. On both parties, I feel like they were wrong."
Witness Accounts and Reactions
Eyewitnesses who witnessed the incident were shocked and disturbed by the events that unfolded. Parker, who was driving behind the two cars, said that he noticed the two vehicles swerving and cutting each other off, which led him to start recording the incident. He described the moment when Fisher got out of his car and approached Simon’s vehicle, saying, "The boy swing, he punched him and immediately three shots went off." Parker’s account of the incident highlights the intensity and unpredictability of the situation, which could have ended in a more tragic outcome. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of exercising restraint and caution on the road, as well as the need for law enforcement to be held accountable for their actions.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The road rage incident in Orange County, New York, is a stark reminder of the dangers of aggressive driving and the importance of de-escalation techniques. As the investigation continues, it is essential to consider the actions of both parties involved and to determine whether the use of force was justified. The incident also raises questions about the training and protocols in place for off-duty police officers, and whether they are equipped to handle situations like this. As the community waits for the outcome of the investigation, it is crucial to remember the importance of road safety and the need for all drivers to exercise caution and respect on the road. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact State Police Middletown at 845-344-5300 to provide any additional information that may aid in the investigation.
