LEROY, N.Y. (WIVB) – Authorities are investigating after a man was shot and killed inside a home in LeRoy Tuesday morning. Relatives of the victim identified him as Norman “Don” Ball. According to his sister-in-law, Ball was sleeping in his bed when a neighbor came into his house and shot him.
A short time after the shooting, a call came in about a fire at the suspect’s home, about a quarter mile up the road. Law enforcement officials say they believe the suspect set the fire himself.
LeRoy fire officials say the suspect shot at the first firefighters to arrive at the scene. No one was hurt, but first responders were forced to retreat and watch the house burn from afar as tactical teams attempted to negotiate with the suspect, who was armed with a shotgun outside his burning house.
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The Monroe County Sheriff says after a standoff that lasted hours, a suspect is in custody and the incident was resolved. The suspect was armed and hoping police would shoot him, according to the Sheriff.
At a press conference at 2 p.m., police in Genesee County identified the suspected gunman as Kyle G. Johnson, a 53-year-old native of LeRoy. Johnson faces several charges, including second degree murder and reckless endangerment.
Officers say they believe he wanted to commit death by cop and indicated to police that was his desire. Officers say Johnson has a history of mental illness.
Police refused to speculate on a motive, but said a homicide investigation is underway.
Selden Road was closed between Route 19 and West Bergen Road for a number of hours. Authorities issued a “shelter in place” for residents in that area that lasted nearly three hours. Residents were told to stay indoors until shortly after 8 a.m.
Ball’s son and grandson were among those sheltering in place.
The Genesee County Sheriff says he plans to hold a news conference to give an update on the situation at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
