New York State Police Identify Man Shot by Troopers in Ulster County

State Police have identified the suspect in the trooper-involved shooting in Ulster County, NY.

Trooper-Involved Shooting in Ulster County, NY

Earlier this week, the New York State Police (NYSP) announced it was investigating a trooper-involved shooting that occurred in the Ulster County Town of Rochester, NY. At the time, police said that on Monday, February 16, 2026, at approximately 12:42 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a male subject holding a handgun while walking southbound on Queens Highway toward State Route 209 in the town of Rochester, NY.

When troopers arrived at the scene, they located the man and told him multiple times to show his hands, which he refused to do, and allegedly displayed what appeared to be a handgun. That's when troopers discharged their weapons, striking the man. The suspect, who was not identified, was airlifted to the Westchester Medical Center, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

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Following the shooting, the NYSP stated that the weapon the suspect displayed was a pellet gun.

Suspect Identified in Ulster County Shooting

According to a NYSP press release, the suspect has been identified as 33-year-old Benjamin Scism of Accord, NY. Scism, who remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center, has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon and menacing, both class A misdemeanors.

Three members of the New York State Police were involved in the shooting, including Trooper Stephen A. Sawyer, Trooper Jeremy D. Pekoff, and Trooper Ariel B. Grant. All three members are assigned to Troop F in Middletown, NY.

The investigation is ongoing. When more information is available, we will update this article.