Orchard Park Police identifies victim in officer-involved shooting

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - Orchard Park Police has revealed the identity of the victim in this past Friday's officer-involved shooting on Hawthorne Drive.

James Tighe Cushman was the individual shot and killed by two Orchard Park police officers after he had made the call to 9-1-1, saying there was someone armed with a gun, and he was armed with a knife.

Cuhshman had told a dispatcher on the other end of the phone that he was "going out with a bang."

When one officer arrived at the scene, Cuhshman ran at him, as he repeatedly told Cuhshman to drop the knife.

Cuhshman returned to his driveway and yelled at the officer, "You should have shot me."

After the second officer arrived, Cuhshman ran to both officers stopping at the front of the car. He eventually returned to the driveway, setting the knife down.

After police had told the mother to go back inside the house, Cuhshman retrieved his knife back, while officers retreated before shooting him seven times.

Officers on scene immediately rendered first aid to Cuhshman in an attempt to revive him. He later died of his wounds.

The officers involved in the fatal shooting last Friday were identified on Wednesday as Officer Thomas Fowler, a five-year veteran of law enforcement, and Officer Tanner Till, who has been with the department for a year.

Both officers fully cooperated in probe handled by Orchard Park Police. They remain on administrative leave as the New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation continues its investigation into the shooting.

Orchard Park Police Chief Patrick Fitzgerald believes the officers' actions in the shooting were justified.

Officials are scheduled to further address the incident on Saturday.