Fatal Encounter on Route 5: A State Trooper's Deadly Stand-Off in Pembroke

A routine traffic stop on an early Monday morning in the Town of Pembroke spiraled into a dramatic, high-stakes pursuit that culminated in the fatal shooting of a suspect by a State Police trooper. The incident, which unfolded on Route 5 near Route 77, has triggered a full investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office, a standard protocol when police-involved deaths occur.

At approximately 1:30 a.m.

on April 29, State Trooper Cody J. Smart initiated a stop on a 2007 Dodge pickup truck driven by Michael J. Strimple, 39, of Basom. The initial reason for the stop was an unregistered vehicle with expired inspection and license plates. However, what began as a simple enforcement action quickly escalated.

After briefly pulling over, Strimple allegedly decided to flee, leading Trooper Smart on a pursuit.

The chase concluded abruptly when Strimple’s pickup truck veered off Route 5 and crashed into a ditch. The situation intensified rapidly from there, according to official reports.

As Trooper Smart approached the disabled vehicle, authorities allege that Strimple actively attempted to strike the trooper with his truck.

Faced with what he perceived as a direct threat to his life, Trooper Smart discharged his firearm, striking Strimple. Medics were called to the scene, but tragically, Strimple succumbed to his injuries.

The gravity of the situation prompted the immediate involvement of Attorney General Letitia James's Office.

Under Executive Order No. 147, the AG's Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit is tasked with investigating all deaths caused by law enforcement officers, ensuring an independent and thorough review of the circumstances. State Police Troop A Commander Major Eugene Staniszewski confirmed the AG's office has taken the lead, with their personnel present at the scene and processing evidence.

Michael J.

Strimple was no stranger to law enforcement. His criminal record included multiple felony convictions, painting a picture of a life marked by conflict with the law. He had been convicted of robbery, assault, escape, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Court records reveal a history of fleeing from police and engaging in dangerous behaviors during encounters with authorities, including ramming a police car in 2008 and leading deputies on a high-speed chase in 2011.

Trooper Cody J.

Smart, who joined the State Police in 2021, previously served as a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff's Office. This fatal confrontation marks a somber chapter in his career, now subject to the rigorous scrutiny of an independent investigation.

The tragic events on Route 5 serve as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the unpredictable nature of routine traffic stops.

As the Attorney General’s Office continues its comprehensive investigation, the community awaits a full understanding of the precise circumstances that led to this deadly encounter.