 |
| Possible suspect - William J. Larson Jr., 17 of Clarksville, NY |
What began as a house fire may have developed into a double homicide. The scene unfolded around midnight Thursday at 8472 Courtney Hollow Road in the Town of Clarksville. Firefighters were alerted to a possible house fire. Moments later, over the radio, there was a frantic "emergency traffic, emergency traffic." Fire crews had extricated two victims. State Troopers soon after told 911 that..."this is gonna be a double homicide...both victims have multiple stab wounds."
A fire investigation team was requested at the scene as more law enforcement poured into the scene. Early in the investigation, Troopers were looking for a male who was allegedly seen running from the area. Allegany County 911 issued a "Code Red" for area residents, alerting people not to answer their doors and shelter in place.
UPDATE 12:58 A.M.- State Police say the suspect is a white male, six feet tall, 130 pounds, curly brown hair, 17 or 18 years old, possibly driving a Chevy Blazer, possibly headed to the Cuba area. Suspect may be armed.
UPDATE 2:12 A.M.- State Police requesting a drone to the scene. Suspect could be a family member (unconfirmed).
UPDATE 3:37 a.m.- State Police are setting up a command post at a local church.
UPDATE 5:55 A.M.- From the Cuba Police Department:
We are attempting to assist the New York State Police with an incident that has occurred in the Town of Clarksville. We are asking that all Cuba residents shelter in place and do not answer your doors. If you must go about your business please do so with extra caution. If you feel that there is someone at your door or on your property who doesn’t belong there do not answer or let them in call 911 immediately. We cannot release any additional information at this time. Our goal is to ensure that all Cuba residents are safe. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.
UPDATE 6:15 a.m. - Portville school has closed for the day.
UPDATE 6:44 a.m.- Cuba-Rushford school has closed for the day.
UPDATE 6:46 A.M.- Bolivar-Richburg school has closed.
UPDATE 8:45 A.M.- Police broadcast alert in Allegany County double homicide. Stolen vehicle, NY reg HNU-8365, red, 2003 Chevy Blazer. Operated by William J. Larson, age 17. Considered armed and dangerous.
UPDATE 9:57 A.M.- Allegany County 911 alerts Troopers that Allegany County double homicide suspect was just spotted in the woods off Barber Road in Clarksville. Police are headed there now.
UPDATE 2:28 p.m.- State Police command just received a report of a possible sighting of Allegany County double murder suspect driving a truck in Cuba. Police are on the lookout.
UPDATE 4:33 P.M.- State Police just reported that "suspect is in custody" in double homicide in Allegany County.
