ARCADIA, NY — New York State Police have arrested a Phelps man following an investigation into a road rage shooting that injured a woman.
On June 17, at approximately 8:53 p.m., State Police responded to a report of a shooting involving two vehicles.
The victims reported that while traveling westbound on State Route 31 after leaving a business in the village of Newark, they were followed by another vehicle.
The suspect vehicle continued following them onto Whitbeck Road and Stebbins Road, where a single gunshot was fired through the victims’ vehicle.
The projectile shattered the rear windshield, passed through the passenger compartment, grazed the driver’s headrest, and exited through the front windshield.
The driver, a woman, sustained a laceration to her right forearm and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Troop E Forensic Identification Unit, and K9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation.
Through the course of the investigation, Troopers identified Benjamin Q. Lead, 32, of Phelps, as the suspect.
On June 18, State Police executed search warrants at residences in the village and town of Phelps.
During the search, investigators recovered a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber pistol, ammunition, and additional evidence.
On June 30, Lead surrendered to investigators and was arrested.
Lead was charged with criminal use of a firearm 1st degree, a B felony; attempted assault 1st degree, a C felony; and criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree, a C felony.
Lead was processed at SP Williamson and transported to the Wayne County Jail for arraignment.
