Gunman Wants 'Deadly Force Engagement' with Saratoga Springs New York Police, Fires on Station

By Emma Ralls

Source The Saratogian, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — A Malta man was arrested Friday after firing no less than three shots at the Saratoga Springs Police Department as well as a separate vehicle.

Paul Trinci, 76, was apprehended and arrested following a chase Friday night. He was remanded to the custody of the Saratoga County Sheriff without bail.

He was charged with first-degree attempted assault (Class C felony), second-degree criminal possession of a weapon (Class C felony), second-degree criminal use of a firearm (Class C felony), first-degree reckless endangerment (Class D felony), two counts of second-degree criminal mischief (Class D felonies), second-degree reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor), fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon (Class A misdemenor), unlawful fleeing a Police Officer (Class A misdemeanor), misdemeanor driving while intoxicated per se, .08% or higher, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, misdemeanor reckless driving, as well as numerous other traffic infractions.

Through interviews, it was indicated that Trinci alluded to the desire to create a “deadly force engagement” with police officers. No officer fired their weapons in relation to this incident — and no officers nor members of the public were stuck or injured. Only one police car that was parked in front of the station’s lobby entrance was shot and damaged.

A privately owned vehicle parked on Division Street was also damaged prior to the incident at the police station.

“What sort of resolution he was looking for, we’re not totally sure — we’re still trying to fully grasp what his ultimate resolution was with the engagement, but during the interview, obviously it was apparent that he did want to engage in some sort of deadly force situation,” Chief of Police Tyler McIntosh shared at the press conference Friday night.

According to initial checks, Trinci has no criminal history to the department’s knowledge and they are unsure if he has had other encounters with police – but there’s nothing on his criminal history record as far as arrests or convictions.

McIntosh explained the incident began around 6:55 p.m. on Friday when an individual reported to have heard a bang and believed to have seen a man firing a gun on Division Street near Spot Coffee. About an hour later, at 7:43 p.m. the Sergeant assigned to the Police Headquarters in City Hall heard gunshots at the station and upon looking outside saw a man pointing a gun at the building.

Following the information being dispatched, officers at the location immediately exited the building with guns pointed at the man, who had entered his vehicle and drove away.

Trinci was pursued by officers on Route 9, ultimately pulling into a parking lot at Market 32 in Malta where he was safely taken into custody and transported to the police department.

At this time the police are unaware of any other damage or incidents, but said that there is still a ongoing investigation with evidence still to be collected and witnesses to interview. However, it was confirmed that the section of Lake Avenue closed Friday night would be open to the public again in time for Chowderfest on Saturday.

Regarding the annual Spa City Festival, hosted by Discover Saratoga, Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll and McIntosh shared they had the utmost confidence that everything was going to go and perfectly safe for Chowderfest on Saturday.

“I just want to reiterate to the public, we believe this is an isolated incident,” Coll stated at the conference. “There is no threat whatsoever to the public. We had many of our law enforcement partners here – the FBI, ASAC was here, members from Troop G of the New York State Police were here, Saratoga County Sheriffs as well.

“We coordinated with them, cooperated with them and again, it’s an isolated incident. There’s no nexus to terrorism, and we just want to reassure the public that Chowderfest is going to be safe tomorrow. Again, it’s an isolated incident.”

In a text to the Saratogian, Safford shared similar sentiments that the city had everything under control and that he had “no concerns” about safety at Chowderfest.

McIntosh believes the city was “more than prepared” to host Chowderfest and shared that much like Friday evening the department has thoroughly planned and is fully prepared to make sure everyone is safe and shared that there was no indication that this incident was planned specifically to coincided with the event the following day.

He also acknowledged the appreciation for the support the SSPD has received from the community and his pride in his officers.

“I want to say how proud I am of the men and women of this department. The dispatchers and officers working tonight who did an outstanding job at great risk to themselves,” McIntosh said. “Without hesitation, our officers ran toward gunfire to apprehend a suspect that was a significant danger to the public. They put their lives on the line every day and prepare for these moments that we hope never happened.

“I cannot be prouder and more honored to serve with these brave men and women. I’m just as proud as all the members that came in, all of our police department members that came in at a moment’s notice tonight, to support and assist their teammates and help take some of the workload away from them as a support mechanism throughout this incident.”

Charges are still pending, as it is still a very active investigation with investigators and officers still trying to get all the information together and ensure that they have the appropriate charges for arraignment at a future time. Anyone who believes they have information that may be helpful is encouraged to contact the department at (518) 584-1800.

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