by David Flint
State Police reported on Monday at a press conference that Berlin resident Steven Bell did not have a weapon when he was confronted and shot dead by State Troopers Sunday evening. NYS Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Scott Coburn said, however, that Bell disregarded all commands to stop and show his hands. He then made threatening statements, continued to approach the officers and motioned as if he was bringing a weapon up.
[private]The confrontation with police started with Rensselaer County Sheriff’s deputies responding at 5:38 pm on November 17 to a 911 domestic dispute incident call from Hilltop Road. It was reported that Steven J. Bell, 38 years old, had discharged a round from a rifle and had then left the residence with the rifle. The Sheriff’s deputies were joined by patrols from the New York State Police and the Department of Environmental Conservation Police in a search for Mr. Bell.
His vehicle was finally located unoccupied at about 6:30 pm in the Berlin State Forest at the upper end of Cowdry Hollow Road. Some 7 mm ammunition was found in the vehicle but no weapons. The search continued with some officers aided with DEC night vision goggles. Bell was eventually encountered in the forest approaching the officers.
Captain Coburn said that Troopers, believing the use of deadly physical force against them and others was imminent, responded by discharging rounds from a .223 patrol rifle and a Glock hand gun. Bell was struck and fell. He was immediately rendered first aid by the officers on the scene but succumbed to his injuries.
Coburn said that the investigation is continuing. The New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit is continuing to search the area for Bell’s weapon and other evidence, and the State Police Internal Affairs Bureau is also conducting an investigation. Pending the investigation the Troopers who fired the shots have been placed on desk duty. An autopsy by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica was scheduled for Monday. Also, Rensselaer County District Attorney Richard McNally has been advised of the incident and will be apprised of the investigation, Coburn said.
Coburn said that police were somewhat familiar with Bell as a number of domestic incidents had occurred at the Berlin residence. Bell had also been arrested twice, both times on misdemeanor charges. Charges were pending for one of these arrests but Coburn did not have information on the other one.
Asked about training that police receive about knowing when to draw and fire a weapon, Coburn said that, “If the life of the officers or others is in danger, we are allowed to use deadly force in response to stop that threat.”
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