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On the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 29, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officers James Davey and Lieutenant Liza Bobseine were investigating reports of potential illegal hunting activity when officer James Davey was shot.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos reported Davey underwent extensive surgery at the MidHudson Hospital to repair damage from the gunshot wound and is in the intensive care unit in stable condition.
"I had the chance to meet Officer Davey's wife Nancy, a Forest Ranger at DEC, and other family members last night who were appreciative of the outpouring of support from the DEC family," he added.
The shooting occurred around 5 p.m. on Silvernails Road in Pine Plains when the two officers came upon fresh tire tracks, state police said.
While walking through the field, Davey was shot one time with a rifle in the area of his pelvis. The shooter, Alan Blanchard, 55, of Columbia County and his hunting partner, James Brown of Pine Plains, remained at the scene and assisted with rescue efforts, state police added.
"Lt. Liza Bobseine, who was on patrol with Officer Davey investigating the incident is credited with saving Officer Davey's life for her quick and heroic actions in the field.," Seggos said. "Lt. Bobseine was able to quickly apply a compress to the wound while calling for support and keeping the suspects under control a half-mile into a field. It's clear that if it were not for her actions, officer Davey would not have survived."
The commissioner also commended the two officers for their courage in the line of duty and thanked them for their dedicated service.
Davey is a 12-year veteran of the force. He also serves as a certified firearms instructor for the DEC.
Blanchard, who was charged with second-degree assault, is being held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 8.
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