Cops say rare shooting was deliberate

WELLSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - A shocking scene on the southern tier, where police say a teenage boy shot his own stepfather.

Wednesday morning, State Police say the 16-year-old suspect is facing charges including attempted murder in the second degree, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, for the shocking and rare crime that stunned police.

State Police say the teen shot his 60-year-old stepfather Robert Garrison twice in the chest with a .40 caliber gun. According to State Police, the victim left the hospital Tuesday night and is recovering at home.

The shooting took place at Garrison’s home on County Road 30, in the Town of Wellsville, Tuesday afternoon.

New York State Police Captain Steve Nigrelli said, “When you think about all the factors, it's a .40 caliber which is a very large caliber gun, shot at a very close range; the fact that this gentleman is still alive truly is a miracle.”

Some family members of the 16-year-old boy told News 4 off camera that they have no idea why this happened and were very surprised to hear about the shooting.

While state police continue to investigate the incident, they say they know for sure the shooting was deliberate.

Nigrelli said, “I can say emphatically say at this time that it was not an accident.”

State police say it's a miracle that Garrison wasn't killed when he was shot at very close range. Wednesday morning investigators will be trying to figure out what led to the shooting.

The suspect was arraigned in the Town of Wellsville court and remanded to the Allegany County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and is due back in court at a later date.