Syracuse, New York – A New York State Police investigator was injured after being stabbed while helping execute an arrest warrant early Wednesday morning in Syracuse. The incident unfolded as law enforcement attempted to take a fugitive into custody who was wanted in Massachusetts for an alleged armed robbery.
Incident Overview
State police confirmed that the injured investigator is assigned to the New York State Police Troop D Felony Warrant Squad and was detailed to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. The arrest operation involved multiple agencies working together to locate and apprehend a suspect believed to be dangerous.
The suspect, 67-year-old Cedric Cundiff, was the subject of an active arrest warrant issued out of Massachusetts, where he is accused of robbing a store at gunpoint.
Timeline of Events
According to officials, the incident occurred on the morning of January 29 at approximately 8:15 a.m. Law enforcement officers attempted to execute the warrant at 2000 Lodi Street, Apartment B, in the city of Syracuse.
Officers from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Parole, and state police were present at the scene as part of a coordinated operation.
Details From Police and Officials
State police said that when officers entered the residence to arrest Cundiff, he retreated into a bedroom and barricaded himself inside. As investigators approached the bedroom door, the situation escalated rapidly.
“When investigators approached the bedroom door, the suspect stabbed one of our investigators despite the officer being positioned behind a protective shield,” state police said in a statement.
Following the stabbing, officers deployed a Taser, which allowed them to subdue and take Cundiff into custody without further injuries to law enforcement personnel.
Key Facts From the Arrest
- Suspect: Cedric Cundiff, 67
- Date: January 29
- Time: Around 8:15 a.m.
- Location: 2000 Lodi Street, Apartment B, Syracuse
- Injury: Investigator stabbed in the hand
- Medical Response: Investigator transported to Upstate University Hospital
- Suspect Status: In custody
- Possible Charges: Second-degree assault and additional New York State charges
The injured investigator was treated at Upstate University Hospital for a stab wound to the hand and is expected to make a full recovery.
Additional Context on the Suspect
Authorities confirmed that Cundiff was wanted in Massachusetts in connection with an alleged armed robbery, in which a store was reportedly robbed at gunpoint. Law enforcement officials have not released further details about the Massachusetts case, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
According to state police, Cundiff is expected to face extradition proceedings in addition to new charges filed in New York related to the stabbing.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Risks
Officials emphasized that felony warrant operations often carry a high risk due to the unpredictability of suspects, particularly those accused of violent crimes. Even with protective equipment and coordinated planning, officers can still face sudden and dangerous resistance.
Law enforcement agencies routinely stress the importance of multi-agency cooperation, protective gear, and tactical planning when attempting to apprehend suspects with violent histories.
Conclusion
The stabbing underscores the dangers faced daily by law enforcement officers during fugitive apprehensions. While the injured investigator is expected to recover, the incident remains under active investigation as authorities prepare additional charges against Cundiff and coordinate with Massachusetts officials.
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