Police: sheriff death apparent suicide

COLD SPRING, N.Y. (AP) - Authorities say a western New York sheriff apparently committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.

State police said Tuesday afternoon that Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities say John's body was found at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday outside a car on a logging trail in the small town of Cold Spring, 55 miles south of Buffalo.

Troopers say it doesn't appear foul play was involved. The investigation is continuing.

According to the New York State Sheriff's Association, John, a member of the Seneca Nation, was the first American Indian to hold the office of sheriff in the state.

Then-Gov. George Pataki named him to the post in 2005, 24 years after he joined the department.

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