Friday morning in Conklin, New York, was marred by a deadly shooting that claimed the life of one man and left a woman seriously injured. The Broome County Sheriff's Office reported that the incident took place on Leslie Avenue, where local and state law enforcement were dispatched after receiving reports of gunfire.
The victim identified at the scene was Michael Lewis, who was declared dead by first responders. The second victim, Jessica Kalyn Lewis, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to UHS Wilson Medical Center, where she is currently listed in critical condition.
The sequence of events began just before 10:45 a.m. when Broome County deputies and New York State Police officers responded to calls about an active shooting involving a handgun. An anonymous witness described a tense encounter, noting that officers were met with gunfire upon approaching the residence. "They opened the front door and the guns went off," the witness recounted, adding that the officers had to retreat momentarily to equip their protective vests before re-engaging with the suspect using rifles.
Amidst this chaos, law enforcement managed to subdue and arrest 21-year-old Matthew S. Bartosik without further incident. Bartosik now faces multiple felony charges, including Murder in the 2nd Degree for the death of Michael Lewis, Attempted Murder in both the 1st and 2nd Degrees for the attack on Jessica Kalyn Lewis, along with charges for Criminal Use of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Aggravated Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Criminal Contempt in the 1st Degree.
Following his arraignment, Bartosik was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility, awaiting further judicial proceedings. Sheriff Fred Akshar addressed the community's concerns, stating, "What I can tell the public is that there is no ongoing public danger," aiming to reassure residents while the investigation continues.
In the wake of the shooting, immediate measures were taken to secure the area. Leslie Avenue, alongside Suncrest Drive and Inamour Drive, were closed off to manage the scene and support the ongoing investigation. The Sheriff's Office has called upon the public for any additional information that could aid in understanding the full scope of this tragic event.
The community of Conklin is now grappling with the aftermath of this violence, seeking answers about the motives behind the attack. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement piecing together the details of what led to this morning's deadly confrontation. As the story unfolds, the focus will be on uncovering the relationship between the victims and the suspect, the circumstances leading to the shooting, and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the sudden violence that can disrupt communities, prompting discussions on safety, law enforcement response, and the broader implications for public security.
