Shooting At Ice Bridge Appears Related To Drugs

AKWESASNE - A shooting on the St. Regis River in Akwesasne appears to be linked to drug activity, according to Franklin County's top prosecutor.

Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne said the preliminary investigation points to the shooting being related to illegal activity.

"Initial indications are it could very well be related to narcotics activity," Mr. Champagne said.

St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police are investigating a Monday-night shooting that took place on the frozen St. Regis River, also known as the ice bridge.

According to a news release issued Tuesday by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, the 31-year-old victim was transported by Mohawk Council Ambulance to Cornwall Regional Hospital, where he was treated for the gunshot wound to his leg.

The release states he had been shot after two assailants, who remain at large, stole a small amount of cash from him.

There was a second unharmed person who remained at the scene until police arrived, according to the release.

The victim has not yet come forward to police to file a statement.

According to Tribal Police Detective Sgt. Matthew Rourke, investigators followed snowmobile tracks left by the assailants that led from the crime scene to the American side of the transborder reservation.

"[The assailants] are described as two males, wearing black snow suits and black helmets, driving black Ski-doo snowmobiles," the release noted.

Anyone with information relating to the investigation is urged to contact Sgt. Rourke at (518) 358-9200.