Updated: Trooper killed in the line of duty in Steuben County

State Trooper Nicholas Clark was killed in the line of duty in Steuben County on Monday. According to authorities, a school principal listed with the Bradford Central School District fired the shot that killed Clark near Corning, N.Y.

According to reports, Clark was responding to a report of a suicidal man, now identified as 43-year-old Steven Kiley. Reports are stating that the estranged wife of Kiley made the 911 call at approximately 3:30 a.m., noting that Kiley was most likely armed.

It was learned that Kiley had barricaded himself inside of the residence on Welch Road in the Town of Erwin, N.Y., located near Corning, N.Y. While responding to this call, Clark died from a gunshot wound.

Later, the police, along with other law enforcement agencies, discovered Kiley inside the home, and they believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Trooper Clark, who was 29 years old, lived in Troupsburg, N.Y. He graduated from the 203rd Session of the State Police Basic School in September of 2015. He was assigned to the State Police Barracks in Bath, Troop E. 

He is survived by his mother, father and brother, who have all been notified.

In a press release, First Deputy Superintendent of the New York State Police, Chris Fiore, stated, “This is a terrible loss for the New York State Police and our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Clark and his family.”

During an earlier press conference held at the State Police Barracks in Painted Post, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of New York State Police Trooper Clark. They won’t be lowered until Trooper Clark’s interment.

Governor Cuomo also addressed the public and the media, stating, “Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard, I want to thank him for his partnership with the State Police but especially for their help and assistance during this situation.”

He continued, “After Trooper Clark was hit with gunfire, Deputy Sheriff put his own life in danger to pull Trooper Clark to a position of safety. To the Clark family, to his mother, his father, his brother, we hope you find peace in this senseless act of violence. A 29-year-old trooper, a stellar trooper with an extraordinary record, his whole life before him. Great athlete. Well accomplished. He wanted to do one thing, which was helping people. As Governor, you deal with a lot of different situations. Some almost unimaginable. Especially in these difficult times. This is one situation that I’ve gone through before, the state police have gone through before, 13 troopers lost in five years. There’s no answer. There’s no point. It’s just sad and painful.”

Also, in a statement this afternoon, Senator Fred Akshar, stated, “On behalf of Team Akshar and the entire 52nd Senate District, we send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Trooper Nicholas Clark and to his fellow New York State Troopers. All too often we see heroes like Trooper Clark give their lives protecting their communities. We remain deeply grateful to all the men and women of law enforcement for their service and sacrifice every day as they work tirelessly to keep our families and communities’ safe.”

Trooper Clark’s body was transported today to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, N.Y. where an autopsy was to be performed. Clark is survived by his mother, father and a brother.

As early evening rolled around, firefighters and emergency response personnel from both Owego and Tioga Center gathered on the Court Street Bridge in Owego to pay solemn respect to State Trooper Nicholas Clark, as he was carried with an honorary escort of law enforcement from Lourdes Hospital, and back to the State Police Barracks in Bath, N.Y.

And the journey back was one of respect, as the bridge in Owego, draped with a flag and its area volunteers offering a final salute, was one of many leading back to Painted Post.  

To view a live video from the escort, visit https://www.facebook.com/wendy.post.52/videos/10213532317916270/.