Margaretville troopers respond to "shots fired" complaint in Andes

On December 14, 2022, around 7:30 p.m., New York State Police at Margaretville were dispatched by Delaware County 911 to a report of “shots fired” at a residence on Beech Hill Road in the town of Andes. 

An investigation revealed that a 62-year-old female was injured when she accidentally discharged a semi-automatic rifle.  The victim sustained injuries to her face and her hand.  The first responding trooper applied her division issued tourniquet to help subside some of the heavy bleeding to the victim’s hand.  An officer from the Colchester Police Department applied a second tourniquet.  Members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, Andes EMS and Delaware County Emergency Services assisted at the scene.  The victim was transported to ambulance to Bassett Hospital for treatment. 

A further investigation revealed the rifle is not legal in New York State and New York Safe Act compliant.  Richard Geraghty, age 58 of Andes, NY was charged with two counts of the class “D” felony of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree.