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An investigation is underway in Albany following an officer-involved shooting that left a man injured. The incident occurred on Thursday (December 18) on Trinity Place in the South End neighborhood. Police identified the suspect as 29-year-old Devante Wadjas, who was wanted in connection with several domestic violence investigations.
According to Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox, detectives approached Wadjas around 1:15 p.m. when he attempted to flee on foot. Wadjas then pulled a .40-caliber handgun and fired at the detectives, prompting them to return fire. Wadjas was hit in the torso and was subsequently taken into custody. He is now in stable condition at Albany Medical Center.
Wadjas faces two counts of first-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. CBS6 Albany reported that the detectives involved were not injured, and their names have not been released.
The Albany Police Department has notified the state attorney general’s office and the Albany County District Attorney’s Office as part of the investigation protocol. The City of Albany Community Police Review Board has also been contacted. Spectrum Local News highlighted that video evidence shows Wadjas firing at the detectives, which Chief Cox stated clearly indicated his intent to harm them.
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to gather information regarding the incident. WNYT reported that Wadjas has a long criminal history, and the police's intention was to arrest him for domestic violence allegations before the situation escalated.