COLLINS, NY — A 57-year-old man was arrested on attempted murder and other charges after allegedly shooting at a snow plow operator.
Walter M. Blaze of Collins was charged with attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree and three counts of criminal mischief in the second degree.
State Police from SP Collins responded to a possible shooting incident at 3625 Edgewood Drive in the town of Collins at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Dec. 30.
Investigation determined that Blaze used a firearm and shot at a 23-year-old victim from Gowanda who was plowing the driveway with a 2023 LS 4×4 tractor.
The victim knew he had been shot and ran from the area.
Troopers arrived on scene and established a perimeter with Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol.
The area was evacuated, and a perimeter was maintained over five hours while negotiating with Blaze.
Blaze was taken into custody by the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team shortly after gas was administered into the residence.
The residence was searched and a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun was located.
The victim was transported to Erie County Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
Blaze was processed and arraigned in the town of Brant Court and remanded to the Erie County Holding Center with no bail.
