Update: Wyoming County sheriff thanks those who intervened in surprise attack
- Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph thanked his community Wednesday after an alleged attempt on his life Tuesday.
Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph released a statement Wednesday thanking two Buffalo News newspaper deliverers who intervened in a surprise attack early this week.
Lynn M. Hall, 48, of Castile is accused of trying to kill Rudolph early Tuesday morning on Route 238 in Attica, Wyoming County, New York State Police announced Tuesday.
Hall is charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, which are felonies, as he allegedly tried to stab Rudolph during a physical altercation.
"I am very fortunate to live and work in such a kind and caring community and to have such support from loved ones, family, friends and peers that have made this incident easier to endure," said Rudolph in a statement Wednesday.
More:Troopers: Man tried to kill Wyoming County sheriff in roadside attack
"I am particularly indebted to the two gentlemen, who likewise were working and unsuspecting of how life changes and unfolds in a matter of seconds. Their quick actions without regard to their safety undoubtedly altered the outcome and were nothing short of heroic."
Rudolph said he was recovering well and has returned to work. As the investigation is ongoing, he will not be discussing further specifics of the incident, he said.
At about 6:35 a.m. Tuesday, Rudolph was on his way to work in uniform and was driving an unmarked Ford Taurus police vehicle on state Route 238 in Attica.
"An unknown vehicle began to tailgate Sheriff Rudolph, flashing its lights," troopers said in a release. "Sheriff Rudolph pulled over to see if the vehicle needed assistance. The vehicle then pulled in front of the sheriff’s vehicle blocking him in."
Hall allegedly got out of his vehicle and approached Rudolph in his vehicle. Rudolph allegedly recognized Hall as the man who had applied for a pistol permit and had come to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office the day before to ask about the status of the permit.
Hall allegedly tried to grab Rudolph's weapon and "a struggle continued to the ground on the side of the roadway," troopers said.
During the altercation, Hall ended up on top of Rudolph and "threatened" to kill the sheriff with a knife, troopers said.
Good Samaritans assisted Rudolph, troopers said. "During the ground altercation, two civilian newspaper deliverers stopped and assisted the sheriff along with an off-duty New York State Trooper," troopers said. The Buffalo News reported that the two Good Samaritans were delivering its newspapers.
Hall was then handcuffed and taken into custody. Rudolph was treated for injuries that aren't considered life-threatening.
The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office handed the investigation over to State Police. Hall was taken to the State Police barracks in Warsaw and processed.
He was arraigned and remanded to the Livingston County Jail without bail. Troopers said Wyoming County District Attorney Donald O'Geen consulted during the investigation.
STADDEO@Gannett.com
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