New York State Trooper recovering from wounds to hands after being shot
PBA, 2002-05-15

A New York State Trooper was recovering Wednesday from wounds to his hands after being shot Tuesday night by a 21-year-old man during a vehicle and traffic stop in Kirkwood, Broome County.

Trooper John Spero underwent surgery Tuesday night to remove bullet fragments from his left hand. His right hand was treated for a broken pinky finger. Another Trooper at the scene was not injured.

The suspect was shot dead during the incident.

Just after 6 p.m., Trooper Shawn Dean stopped a vehicle that he suspected was stolen and that had an expired inspection sticker. Trooper Spero, who was nearby, arrived at the scene to assist with the traffic stop.

As the two Troopers talked to a passenger outside of the car, the driver got out of the vehicle and opened fire on the Troopers with a handgun, hitting Spero. The two Troopers returned fire, killing the suspect.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 21-year-old Michael Fisher Jr. of Hallstead, Pa. The vehicle he was driving was stolen in Binghamton last week, and Fisher was wanted in Susquehanna Valley, Pa. for a parole violation stemming from a theft charge. The passenger in the vehicle, 19-year-old Wayne Rafferty of Susquehanna, Pa., was not injured.