David Levine Obituary-Death News; David M. Levine Fatally Shot By State Police After Opening Fire Outside Saratoga County Barracks

David Levine Obituary-Death News; David M. Levine Fatally Shot By State Police After Opening Fire Outside Saratoga County Barracks

A violent confrontation outside a New York State Police barracks on Route 9 in Saratoga County ended in tragedy Wednesday afternoon when a 69-year-old man opened fire with a high-powered rifle and was subsequently shot and killed by troopers.

The incident, which took place around 1:45 p.m. at the Malta State Police barracks, brought a wave of shock to the quiet community and prompted a swift and heavy law enforcement response.

The suspect, identified as David M. Levine of Malta, drove a burgundy Nissan pickup truck into a parking area designated for police vehicles. According to Major Christopher Gilroy of Troop G, Levine exited the vehicle with a rifle and fired several rounds at the barracks building.

Troopers immediately responded, exiting the station and issuing commands for Levine to drop his weapon. He refused, instead aiming the firearm toward the officers, prompting them to return fire. Levine was fatally struck in the exchange. No troopers were injured.

“The troopers gave Mr. Levine multiple verbal commands to drop the firearm,” said Gilroy during a press conference held Wednesday evening at the Wilton barracks. “Mr. Levine refused to comply and pointed the weapon in their direction. At that point, troopers discharged their department-issued firearms, striking him fatally.”

Gilroy confirmed that the entire incident was recorded on body-worn cameras, but the footage has not been released due to the ongoing investigation. He also stated that the New York State Attorney General’s Office, which investigates cases involving civilian deaths during interactions with police, is involved in the case.

Levine, a longtime resident of Rowley Road in Malta, lived just five miles from the barracks. Public records and those familiar with his family indicate that the Levines owned farmland and a small motel near Exit 13 of the Northway.

In recent years, Levine had subdivided some of his property and was reportedly facing financial challenges. Court records show that he had been involved in multiple lawsuits filed by creditors, including Navy Federal Credit Union, for defaulted loans and unpaid debts.

While no official motive for Levine’s actions has been released, his recent financial difficulties could provide some context. Still, investigators have not confirmed any direct link between those issues and the shooting.

The suspect’s vehicle a burgundy Nissan pickup truck with a shattered passenger-side window, military veteran sticker, and a handicap-access license plate—was left in the parking lot as crime scene technicians combed through it for evidence.

Immediately following the shooting, Route 9 was shut down in both directions, and the area surrounding the barracks was cordoned off. Dozens of officers, crime scene investigators, and medical personnel remained on-site for several hours. Their investigation involved collecting forensic evidence both inside and outside the building, as well as reviewing the body camera footage.

The State Police issued a brief statement shortly after the Times Union broke the story: “The preliminary investigation has determined that a male subject arrived at State Police Malta on Route 9, with a hunting-style rifle, and fired several rounds at the barracks. Troopers then exited the barracks and engaged the suspect, fatally wounding the individual.”

The Malta barracks, housed in a converted single-story brick residence near Route 67, has served as a State Police facility for decades. The familiarity and visibility of the location have only added to the community’s sense of unease and sorrow following the event.

As investigations continue, questions remain about what led David Levine to carry out this violent act. With no troopers injured and the suspect confirmed deceased, law enforcement officials are now focused on uncovering the circumstances that led to the confrontation, hoping to bring clarity to a deeply unsettling event in this upstate New York town.