Old Forge, N.Y. – A former Rochester Police captain is at the center of a fatal shooting incident in the Adirondacks.
State Police say Michael Leach, now a Perry police officer, mistakenly shot and killed his son at a motel in Old Forge early Saturday morning.
Troopers say Michael Leach, 59, mistakenly thought his son, Matthew Leach, 37, was an intruder when he shot and killed him. Troopers say Michael Leach’s police-issued handgun was the weapon used in the shooting.
Matthew Leach is the grandson of former Rochester Police Chief Delmar Leach.
Michael Leach served with RPD until 2001.
In 1975, as an officer with RPD, Leach shot and killed a Rochester woman.
Denise Hawkins, 18, was reportedly running away from her abusive boyfriend carrying a knife when officers arrived.
Leach was cleared of any wrongdoing, and later promoted to captain.
The investigation into the shooting in Old Forge is ongoing.
Saturday night, Rochester police issued a statement saying, “The Rochester Police Department wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the Leach family over the tragic loss of Matthew Leach … We ask that everyone keep the Leach family in their thoughts and prayers.”
The owner of Clark Beach Motel, where the Leaches were staying, said the father and son arrived with a group of people affiliated with the law enforcement community.
He said they visit every other year.
