NEW WINDSOR, NY – A hunter is in custody following a dramatic day in Orange County where authorities say he shot another hunter in the face before fleeing the scene. The incident unfolded at Stewart State Forest, a sprawling area popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Police launched an intensive manhunt, transforming the quiet forest into a hub of law enforcement activity.
The shooting, which took place early in the day, prompted a swift response from local and state police. A coordinated effort saw officers deploying all-terrain vehicles, canine units, and helicopters in the search for the suspect. A top law enforcement official confirmed that the victim, a turkey hunter, was shot by another hunter who subsequently disappeared into the woods.
A woman at the scene, who identified herself as a friend of the victim’s wife, revealed that the victim was hospitalized but had survived the shooting. She mentioned coming to the forest to retrieve the victim’s truck, though state police have not officially confirmed these details.
The incident caused a ripple effect in the surrounding community, with nearby Valley Central schools implementing a brief lockout as a precautionary measure. Social media buzzed with local residents sharing sightings of police activity and helicopters overhead, underscoring the tension that gripped the area.
In Montgomery, another section of the state forest was cordoned off by police, further expanding the perimeter of the search. The extensive response included at least eight different law enforcement agencies, among them the state police, the county SWAT team, and the Department of Environmental Conservation police.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the shooting was accidental or intentional. As investigators continue to piece together the events, the community remains on edge, awaiting further updates on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The suspect’s capture marks a significant development in a case that has captivated the region, but many questions remain unanswered. The investigation is ongoing as officers work to unravel the mystery behind the shooting and its motivations.