Homeowner, deputy exchange gunfire after burglary in Batavia

BATAVIA, N.Y. — A homeowner exchanged gunfire with a deputy investigating a burglary at his home, according to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy responded shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday at a call about a burglary at the home at 7924 Lewiston Road. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the deputy approached the home, confronted a man outside the residence and identified himself; the man then fired a gunshot at the deputy. The deputy returned fire and kept identifying himself, but the man continued to shoot at him, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The deputy took cover and waited for backup; when a second deputy arrived, the man — identified as the homeowner, 81-year-old Gregory Poole — was taken into custody without further incident.

No one was hit by any of the shots. Poole was taken to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia for injuries that are believed to be from his struggle with the burglary suspect. He has been charged with reckless endangerment and menacing a police officer. He was released on his own recognizance and is to appear June 11 in Batavia Town Court.

Deputies searched the area but could not find the burglary suspect; they believe the suspect fled the scene before deputies got there.

Deputies are continuing to investigate the burglary and the exchange of shots.