Man shot and killed by NY trooper after threatening woman with scissors, police say

An 18-year-old man was fatally shot by a New York State Trooper on Sunday, Sept. 28, during a domestic incident in the town of Chemung.

State Police and a Chemung County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of an active physical domestic disturbance on Rotary Road around 3 p.m. Upon arrival, a trooper found a woman in the living room being threatened by a man armed with scissors, according to police.

The suspect, identified as Nathan J. Novakowski, of Chemung, refused commands to drop the weapon and became increasingly agitated, according to police. When Novakowski attempted to stab the woman, the trooper discharged his service weapon, fatally striking him, police said.

The woman sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Greater Valley Ambulance personnel.

The incident