Clifton Park man shot after confrontation with police

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Lombardo

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A state trooper shot a Clifton Park homeowner Tuesday after trying to take his gun away from him.

Major Steven James, commander of State Police Troop G, said troopers and Saratoga County sheriff’s deputies were called to 7 Cardinal Court about 4:40 p.m. to check on the welfare of Doug Stewart, 43, who lived there. The caller, Stewart’s wife, informed police Stewart was in possession of a loaded .30-caliber rifle.

“After efforts by the trooper to get the individual to drop the firearm … of the two troopers that initially arrived on the scene, one discharged his firearm, striking [Stewart],” said James.

Stewart was taken to Albany Medical Center, where he was in surgery late Tuesday night, but was expected to survive. James declined to comment on where or how many times Stewart was hit.

At the time of the incident, Stewart’s wife was outside the home and the couple’s children had been removed from the area.

James said some sort of incident occurred that prompted Stewart’s wife, whom he did not identify, to call police.

“I think it’s safe to say that [the troopers] had severe concerns with regards to their safety,” he said.

At the time of the shooting, just the troopers — both of whom have more than 10 years on the job — were with Stewart. The sheriff’s deputies were clearing the house of the other occupants.

James would not say what kind of gun Stewart had, but said it is legal to possess in New York and that it has a 30-round capacity and was fully loaded at the time of the shooting. It was not clear late Tuesday night, as police continued to search the home, whether Stewart owned any other guns.

At this stage in the investigation, James said he expected charges of menacing and reckless endangerment, but formal charges won’t be decided until the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office is briefed on the shooting.