NORWICH – Patrick W Ford III, 43, Norwich, a man involved in a shootout with police in 2012 entered a plea of not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect following an appearance in Chenango Count Court this month. He told the court he had absolutely no recollection of the incident, and his defense attorney cited various concerns with mental health treatment.
Ford was indicted in 2012 on two counts of first degree attempted murder of a police officer, a class A-1 violent felony; second degree attempted murder, a class B violent felony; three counts of first degree criminal use of a firearm, a class B felony; second degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class C felony; three counts of menacing a police officer, a class D felony; and six counts of first degree reckless endangerment, also a class D felony.
It was alleged that Ford, repeatedly fired a Glock .40 handgun at a Chenango County Sheriff’s Office deputy and sergeant, New York State Police trooper and a number of civilians after officers responded to a motor vehicle accident involving Ford on State Route 23 in the Town of Pitcher on Aug. 30, 2012. According to authorities, Ford had his nine-year-old son with him at the time of the incident.
Ford made his first court appearance in October 2012 and was transported from University Hospital in Syracuse where he was receiving medical care for the gunshot wound he received by law enforcement gun fire that ended the shootout and put him in critical condition for days. Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr. said Ford advanced toward the deputies with his gun pointed at them, and one round from a deputy was fired, striking Ford in the upper torso.
According to reports, several rounds were fired in total by Ford and the law enforcement on the scene.
Ford’s change of plea on March 21, 2014 on all 16 counts of the indictment was accepted by the Chenango County Court Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr.
“Is the District Attorney’s Office satisfied that the defense would win if this case were taken to trial?” asked Judge Revoir.
“Yes, Judge,” said First Assistant District Attorney Stephen M. Dunshee.
Reports and evaluations conducted by various mental health professionals indicated Ford was suffering from bipolar disorder at the time of the incident.
The victim was not in the courtroom at the time of the appearance, and Dunshee said, “He hoped he would never see Mr. Ford again.”
Numerous members of Ford’s family were present in court, many of whom became emotional.
Ford’s defense attorney Maureen McBride said she consulted several times with Ford and his family in support of him, and that he is aware of the charges and 16 counts of the indictment.
