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New York State Trooper Brian Rudolph, who was involved in a fatal shooting earlier this year, is retiring from the force. Rudolph, who served for 23 years, chose to retire for personal reasons, according to State Police. His retirement will be effective today, Tuesday (December 3).
In September, Rudolph shot and killed James Dellea of Columbia County following a pursuit that began in Malta and ended in Saratoga Springs. Dellea, who was reportedly dealing with a mental health crisis and had threatened self-harm, was found in his vehicle with a gun. Despite commands from law enforcement, Dellea refused to exit his vehicle, leading to the fatal shooting by Rudolph in the parking lot of Bethel Saratoga.
NEWS10 reported that Dellea's family held a candlelight vigil in his honor on November 30, advocating for more mental health resources and the importance of Daniel’s Law. The family plans to sue Rudolph, the state, and State Police for negligence and infliction of emotional distress, according to their attorney William Beslow.
The state Attorney General’s Office is currently investigating the incident. The impact of Rudolph’s retirement on the ongoing investigation is yet to be determined.