Man shoots himself dead during confrontation

An investigation is underway into the fatal shooting of a man who was attacked by an Auburn police officer.

According to the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Thursday night in the Melone Village area of ​​Auburn. Just before 7:45 p.m., officers were conducting a child sexual exploitation investigation and were contacted by Scott Demonte, 51, of Fayetteville. Police say Demonte brandished a handgun and pointed it at officers before turning the weapon on himself.

According to police, an officer fired one shot in Demonte’s direction during the encounter, but an investigation showed that the officer’s bullet did not hit Demonte.

According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation it is part of also involves the New York State Police, the APD and the offices of the Cayuga County district attorney and attorney general.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Sgt. Nicole Stewart at (315) 294-8093 or submit a tip anonymously via this link.