Hudson Valley Man Charged for Shooting DEC Officer While Hunting

A man is in jail without bail after he allegedly shot an environmental police officer while hunting in the Hudson Valley.

On Tuesday around 5 p.m., New York State Environmental Police officers lieutenant Eliza Bobseine and officer James Davey were investigating a complaint of a reported trespass with shots fired in the area on Silvernails Road in the Town of Gallatin.

During their investigation, they found fresh tire tracks leading into a cut cornfield. While walking through the field, officer Davey was shot with a rifle in his pelvis area, in northern Dutchess County.

The alleged shooter, 55-year-old Alan Blanchard, of Gallatin, and his hunting partner, a man from Pine Plains, remained at the scene and assisted with the rescue efforts of Davey.

Blanchard’s reckless conduct led to the accidental shooting of officer Davey, police say. There are reports that Blanchard mistook the officer for a deer.

Blanchard was charged with second-degree assault, a class D felony. He was arraigned in the Town of Livingston Court and remanded to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of no bail. He’s scheduled to reappear in the Town of Livingston Court on Dec 8.

Officer Davey underwent surgery and is recovering at a local hospital.