By Mark Wozniak
Buffalo, NY – State Police found a rifle in Chautauqua County on Sunday that may have been used in an assault on two state troopers.
The weapon, a .308 caliber rifle, is consistent with a bullet that fatally wounded trooper Joseph Longobardo on August 31st. Forensics experts are testing the weapon at state labs in Albany for ballistics and fingerprints.
Fugitive Ralph Phillips is a prime suspect in the shooting death of Longobardo, and of the wounding of his partner, Donald Baker Junior, who remains hospitalized. Phillips surrendered to police last Friday night, after a massive manhunt.