On April 16, 2019, at 7:09 p.m., Trooper Robert Annarino was dispatched by Oneida County 911 to a possible overdose at 4989 Golly Road in Lee.
A preliminary investigation revealed Annarino arrived on scene and was directed to a back bedroom of the residence, where he encountered a male subject face down on the bed with his hand clenched beneath his chest. Family members on scene advised that the subject was possibly suffering from a seizure.
Annarino requested assistance from EMS that had been staging outside the residence. As they began to roll the subject over, the man began to physically resist. Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy Emrah Latic then arrived on scene and attempted to assist. The suspect was discovered to be secreting an eight-inch knife underneath his body.
The preliminary investigation also revealed Annarino gave several verbal commands for the subject to drop the knife without compliance. The subject lunged at Annarino and, fearing for his safety and the safety of EMS personnel, he fired his division-issued sidearm, striking the subject several times.
Annarino, assisted by EMS, immediately began lifesaving measures until further EMS personnel arrived.
The subject is identified as 24-year-old Tyler R. Johnson. Johnson was transported by ambulance to Rome Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be conducted by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office in Syracuse.