Hunter pleads guilty in accidental shooting
GALLATIN, N.Y. >> The man who accidentally shot a state environmental conservation officer in November 2016 took responsibility Friday in Columbia County Court.
Alan Blanchard, 55, of Gallatin, pleaded guilty to felony assault before Judge Jonathan Nichols, according to Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. The commissioner said Blanchard admitted “dangerous and reckless conduct when he shot Environmental Conservation Officer James Davey.”
Blanchard was hunting in woods off Silvernails Road about 5 p.m. Nov. 29 when he accidentally shot Davey in the pelvis with a 3030 rifle, police said at the time.
Davey and another conservation officer were in the area investigating “potentially illegal” hunting, authorities said.
Seggos said on Friday that he hopes the case “serves as an example for all that illegal hunting after dusk and careless conduct with firearms will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” He also lauded Lt. Liza Bobseine, who was on patrol with Davey, for treating the wounded officer at the scene until emergency responders arrived.
Blanchard and his hunting partner, James Brown of Pine Plains, also remained at the scene and aided with rescue efforts. Brown was not charged.
Davey and Bobseine were investigating reports of deer poaching when Blanchard shot Davey. The officer underwent surgery at the MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, spent time in the intensive care unit and now is undergoing rehabilitation, Seggos said.
Blanchard is due back in court April 28 for sentencing. Felony assault carries a maximum penalty of up to seven years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Davey, 39, is a 12-year veteran of the state conservation force.