The driver of a tractor-trailer truck who led deputies with the Livingston (NY) County Sheriff's Office and area police on a wild overnight vehicle pursuit was killed in an armed confrontation with law enforcement officers after the chase ended.
According to ABC News, police say the driver of the tractor-trailer—identified as 58-year-old Joshua Blessed—opened fire on pursuing deputies during the incident.
Sheriff Tom Dougherty told reporters during a press conference on Thursday morning, "This is one of those incidents that's rare."
He continued, "This isn’t a common type situation where you not only have a heavy, heavy vehicle that’s near impossible stop, but also the person taking shots at cops. So it was a stressful, intense incident, and I commend all the members of all the agencies who were out there participating."
It was not immediately clear if any deputies were wounded or injured in the incident.
An investigation is underway, with the FBI reportedly assisting.
