NEW: Lewis County District Attorney’s Office says suspect wanted on Lewis County Bench Warrant for felony rape missed court date before fatal encounter with police

JEFFERSON COUNTY- A few new key details have come to light concerning the man who was fatally shot by law enforcement this week in the North Country.

As previously reported, State Police said they initiated a stop Wednesday afternoon shortly before 2:00 p.m. in the village of Carthage, NY to apprehend a suspect wanted on a Lewis County Bench Warrant for felony rape.

The suspect reportedly pointed a handgun towards authorities during the encounter.

A State Trooper subsequently fired their weapon and struck the suspect, who later died despite being rushed to Carthage Area Hospital.

According to the latest developments Thursday morning from the office of Lewis County District Attorney Jeffery G. Tompkins, the subject, who has not yet been formally identified, missed a court date on Tuesday.

Authorities say the subject was supposed to appear in Lewis County Court and plead guilty to felony count of rape in the first-degree, carrying a sentence of 15-years behind bars.

When the subject failed to appear, police issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

For now, the incident remains under investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office.

Because of the defendant’s death, the Lewis County District Attorney’s Office says the pending criminal prosecution will be terminated.

"Our thoughts remain with those affected by the underlying crime and the events that have followed," said Chief Assistant District Attorney Joseph Hobika III, who prosecuted the case.

"The defendant was scheduled to appear in Lewis County Court on November 10, 2026, to plead guilty to Rape in the First Degree and later be sentenced to 15 years in state prison. He failed to appear, resulting in the issuance of a bench warrant. While the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, the result is that this prosecution can never reach its intended conclusion in court. We remain mindful of the impact that outcome may have on those who were prepared to see this case resolved and a sentence imposed."

Lewis County Courthouse image.