NORFOLK — The New York State Police are investigating an incident that occurred July 1 resulting in the death of an individual in the town of Norfolk.
At approximately 12:43 a.m., State Police members responded to a 911 call about a domestic dispute involving a knife at a residence on O’Neil Road in Norfolk.
Upon arrival, Troopers found an individual holding a knife in the driveway.
The Troopers issued commands for the individual to drop the knife, which they complied with.
Upon questioning, the individual, who was identified as the victim in the dispute, indicated that Bernie K. Russo, age 47, from Norfolk, was making threats and was armed with an unspecified weapon.
Troopers instructed Russo to step outside, as he was making loud noises and banging things around inside the residence.
Russo emerged holding an unknown object.
The Troopers again provided verbal commands for him to drop the object, and he complied.
Before the Troopers could approach him, Russo fell to the ground and appeared to have a manic episode.
To ensure everyone’s safety and due to the pending charges from the domestic dispute, the Troopers placed him in handcuffs.
They also contacted medical emergency services to respond to the scene for Russo’s condition.
While waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive, Russo became unresponsive.
The Troopers immediately began administering lifesaving measures.
Massena Rescue arrived shortly after and continued these efforts; however, despite their attempts, Russo was pronounced deceased.
Pursuant to Executive Law Section 70-b, the New York State Attorney General’s Office has been notified of the death.
The investigation is ongoing.
