Updated Information

(Watertown, NY – Aug. 28, 2011) In reference to the ongoing investigation at the Stewarts Convenience Store, 1226 located at Washington Street, Watertown, NY:

The deceased subject has been positively identified as Laura J. Pettey, 50 years of age, from Evans Road, Dexter. A post mortem examination by the Jefferson County Medical Examiner is scheduled for later this afternoon.

No additional information is available at this time.

Original release

(Watertown, NY – Aug. 28, 2011) The New York State Police in Watertown are investigating an officer-involved shooting, at the request of the City of Watertown Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

The investigation has revealed that a female subject, believed to be 50 years old from Dexter, entered the Stewart’s Convenience Store on Washington Street in the City of Watertown at approximately 11:05 p.m. Saturday evening.

The subject brandished what appeared to be a pistol and pointed it at two store employees, while making suicidal comments. She then told the employees that they should call the police. She released the female employee a short time later, and upon the arrival of responding officers she led the male employee from the store into the front parking lot at gunpoint. Witnesses say she was told repeatedly to drop the gun, but then turned and pointed the weapon at the responding officers. Rounds were fired by two of the Watertown police officers, and one Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy.

Although still under review, it is believed that six (6) total rounds were fired, at least one of which struck the subject in the chest area. The subject was unresponsive at the scene, and was pronounced deceased at Samaritan Medical Center a short time later.

An autopsy is scheduled for later today. None of the store employees, witnesses, or responding officers were injured. It was later discovered the weapon used by the subject was a pellet pistol.

The names of the involved officers are not being released by the state police at this time. Consultation is underway with the Jefferson County District Attorney as is routine in these matters, but the investigation thus far indicates that the responding officers properly performed their duties during a difficult and stressful situation.