Botched Murder/Suicide Leaves Two Hospitalized

"SACKETS HARBOR, NY - A man who shot his wife during an argument and then held police at bay for five hours before shooting himself is in serious condition, but he and his wife are expected to survive, authorities said Wednesday.

"Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns said the standoff began around 2 a.m. Wednesday when the woman was shot at least twice in the couple's apartment in Sackets Harbor.

"Sgt. Todd O'Brien, the first deputy on the scene, retreated from the building after the husband threatened him with a long gun, then crawled back in and dragged the woman to safety, Burns said.

"Police from several law enforcement agencies surrounded the building and negotiations with the man lasted for about 45 minutes to an hour, but he refused to surrender, the sheriff said.

"`He was not cooperating, not coming out,` Burns said.

"Shortly before 7 a.m., the sheriff's department SWAT team used tear gas and flash-bang devices to storm the apartment. Burns said the man had a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head but offered some resistance before being taken into custody. No deputies were injured.

"The couple's names haven't been released. Burns said both are in their 40s.

"The woman was being treated at Samaritan Hospital in Watertown. The man was transferred to a Syracuse hospital. Both were in serious condition but are expected to survive, Burns said.

"He said the shooting happened during a loud argument.

"Police in Sackets Harbor, a historic village of about 1,400 residents, had been called to the couple's apartment for previous domestic disputes, Burns said without offering details."

Source: WSYR.com...