State Police identify subject in fatal Carthage shooting

JEFFERSON COUNTY- Another development has surfaced from Wednesday’s shooting in the North Country that involved a Trooper from the New York State Police.

According to State Police Investigators on Thursday, the subject who was fatally shot during a stop on West Street in the village of Carthage, NY has now been formally identified as Zachary J. Strough, 41 of Natural Bridge, NY.

As previously reported, State Police said they were attempting to apprehend Strough because he was wanted on a Lewis County Bench Warrant for felony rape.

Authorities from the Lewis County District Attorney’s Office reported Thursday that Strough missed his court date on Tuesday, where he was supposed to plead guilty to felony rape in the first-degree.

A warrant was immediately issued for his arrest and when police stopped Strough Wednesday afternoon, it is reported that Strough pointed a handgun towards officers.

A State Trooper subsequently discharged his weapon and struck Strough, who later died after being rushed to Carthage Area Hospital.

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