By Associated Press
Fredonia, NY – State police say 32-year-old trooper Joseph Longobardo has died after being shot last week while searching for an escaped convict in Chautauqua County.
Longobardo suffered severe blood loss from a leg wound after Thursday's shooting in Chautauqua County. His leg was amputated Saturday.
State police say fugitive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips is the prime suspect in the shooting, which occurred outside the home of his former girlfriend. The manhunt for Phillips is one of the largest in state history.
At a press conference, State Police Superintendent Wayne Bennett said, "You can run but you can't hide. Sooner or later, I don't care how good you are, we will find you."
The other trooper shot in the evening ambush, 38-year-old Donald Baker Junior, remains in critical condition in a Pennsylvania hospital. He is in a medically-induced coma.
Phillips also is suspected of shooting another trooper in June near Elmira in the Southern Tier.
The press conference was followed by a short memorial ceremony by state police.
Longobardo spent eight years as a trooper and lived and worked in Saratoga County. He was married and a reservist with the New York State Air National Guard.