Jenna HeckerTimed writingJournalism 111/17/04NEW PALTZ- Shots were fired early Thursday morning in downtown New Paltz, leaving two police officers injured. Police identified the shooter as Tom Bozydaj, 30,of New Paltz. Bozydaj fired more than 50 rounds of shots in the area surrounding Main St. and Route 32 before being apprehended by officers. Officers were dispatched to the area when, at 3am, 911 calls came from residents of Route 32 north, reporting very loud gunshots. Upon entering the scene, police learned the suspect was shooting an AK-47 assault rifle."After the first three or four calls the 911 center was inundated with calls as the suspect continued up and down Main Street shooting" said Captain Harry VanVliet of the Ulster cou ...view middle of the document...
"Deputy Jeffery Queipo was shot in the hand while trying to convince curious local residents to return inside. When Queipo turned his back towards the suspect, Bozydaj shot approximately ten rounds at the officer, from behind a fence nearly 60 yards away."Deputy Queipo was transported to St Francis hospital where he's being evaluated at the emergency room," said VanVleet. "An assault rifle makes a lot of noise, there were actually civilians outside holding coffee cups. Deputy Queipo was attempting to convince residents to return inside when he caught a round in the arm. This was actually the first time I recall an officer being injured by gunfire while trying to assist civilians."Deputy Stuart McKenzie was injured while diving onto the pavement in an attempt to find cover, and administer first aid to Deputy Queipo.The shooter was apprehended as he aimed for injured Officer McKenzie. Officer Robert Knoth of the New Paltz police department was able to get himself into a position where he had an advantage over the shooter. Knoth demanded he drop his weapon, and the shooter was taken into custody.Police officers determined the Bozydaj was specifically targeting cops. This is the only motivation they've identified, while Bozydaj continues to be interviewed by detectives. The shooter gave a detailed confession, illustrating his motivation for the crime and his intent to target and kill police officers, whom he views as symbols of oppressive government authority.The area was secured, as police and detective teams searched for other shooters, but the investigation later showed the defendant acted alone. Bozydaj was taken to Ulster County Jail on numerous felonies including Attempted Murder of a Police Officer.
