Fatal officer-involved shooting on Route 9 under investigation

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — New York State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in the area of Route 9 and Driscoll Road in Saratoga Springs.

Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, state troopers were attempting to locate 48-year-old James Dellea, of Hillsdale, who had threatened self-harm. Police found him in the parking lot of the Albany Saratoga Speedway on Route 9 in the town of Malta.

Police said he did not follow commands to leave his vehicle and instead fled the scene. A low-speed pursuit began, and Dellea stopped in the parking lot of Bethel Saratoga on Route 9 in Saratoga Springs.

Police said he continued to refuse to leave his vehicle despite police commands, and troopers noticed Dellea was in possession of a firearm. He then brandished the firearm, according to police, and Trooper Brian Rudolph fired his weapon, fatally striking Dellea.

No one else was injured, and there is no threat to the public. Route 9 remained closed late Wednesday night between Kaydeross Avenue East and Cherry Choke Road.

The New York State Attorney General’s Office was notified of the shooting, and one of its representatives came to the scene. Police said Rudolph has been with state police for over 20 years. He was placed on voluntary paid leave.

NYSP were assisted by the New York State Park Police and Saratoga Springs Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.

The full press conference held by NYSP can be seen in the video player below.

Read the latest from NEWS10:

• How Taylor Swift’s AI callout could bring attention to misinformation
• Altamont Fair presents Harvest and Wine Festival
• 2 charged with stealing famous Banksy image from art gallery
• Trump complicates Speaker Johnson’s plan to avoid government shutdown
• Here’s what you need to know about NASCAR’s Go Bowling at the Glen

NEWS10 is the Capital Region’s local news leader!

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NEWS10 ABC.