New York State Police are investigating after a local police officer admitted shooting and killing his own son, who he believed to be an intruder.
Village of Perry Officer Michael Leach, 59, was sleeping at around 12:50 a.m. on Saturday morning when he was awakened by someone entering his Old Forge hotel room. Thinking the person was an intruder, Leach fired one shot, killing his 37-year-old son Matthew, according to The Observer-Dispatch.
Michael Leach called 911 and stated that he had shot an intruder.
Matthew Leach was later pronounced dead St. Elizabeth Medical Center. The father was taken to Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare for an unspecified medical issue.
Hotel owner Dan Rivet Jr. told the paper that the father and son were part of a group of officers who traveled to the area on motorcycles for a long weekend.
"It was just a group of guys coming to have a good time," Rivet said.
While the investigation continued on Monday, police said the shooting was likely a case of mistaken identity. No charges have been filed.
