HILLBURN, NY – On January 3, 2024, at approximately 2:53 p.m., Troopers Steven J. Missale and Ronald Raymond observed a 2009 Mercedes E350 traveling southbound on I-87 in the area of mile marker 30.7, between exit 15 (NJ/I-287) and exit 15A (Sloatsburg). The vehicle matched the description of a suspect vehicle identified in an attempted homicide out of the city of Albany earlier in the day. A traffic stop was conducted on the Mercedes. The driver, later identified as Rakim A. Tillery, 35, of Albany, NY, immediately fired on the troopers who both returned fire, striking Tillery. Tillery was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Troopers Missale and Raymond, both assigned to Troop T, SP Newburgh, were transported to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call SP Middletown at 845-344-5300.

On January 3, 2024, at about 2:55 p.m. State Troopers stopped a vehicle that was identified in a homicide Be On the Lookout (BOLO) on I-87 in the Town of Ramapo.

During the traffic stop the suspect and sole occupant of the vehicle opened fire on Troopers and Troopers discharged their division-issued firearms striking the subject. The subject is deceased. One Trooper sustained minor injuries and the other Trooper is unharmed.

There is currently no threat to the public and the investigation is ongoing. Any updates will be posted to the NYSP Newsroom. Anyone with information is asked to call SP Middletown at 845-344-5300.

Photo by Rockland Buff