Collins, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State Police has made an arrest in the shooting of an individual in Collins on Tuesday that led to a standoff.
57-year-old Walter Blaze has been charged with second-degree Attempted Murder, along with first-degree Attempted Assault, second-degree Assault, and three counts of Criminal Mischief in the second degree.
At approximately 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Troopers out of Collins responded to a possible shooting incident at 3625 Edgewood Driv, where investigators have determined that Blaze used a firearm and shot at a 23-year-old victim of Gowanda, who was plowing the driveway with a 2023 LS 4x4 tractor. The defendant is accused of attempting to cause the death of the victim by intentionally shooting him with a shotgun.
The victim knew he had been shot and then ran from the area.
Troopers arrived on scene and established a perimeter, along with the assistance of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Border Patrol. The area was evacuated, and the perimeter was maintained for more than five hours while negotiating with Blaze.
Blaze was eventually taken into custody by the State Police Special Operations Response Team, shortly after gas was administered into the residence.
A Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun was located and recovered by officials.
Blaze was processed and arraigned in the Town of Brant Court, and was remanded to the Erie County Holding Center with no bail. If convicted of the highest charge, Blaze faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
The victim was transported to Erie County Medical Center, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries to his left arm and neck.