New York Shooting Suspect Cornered in Abandoned Building: Cops

This handout photo from the New York State Police shows Kurt R. Myers, a suspect in two shootings in Mohawk, New York and Herkimer, New York on March 13, 2013. (Courtesy New York State Police)

Police in upstate New York have cornered an armed man they say shot and killed four people earlier today at local businesses.

New York State police are in a standoff with Kurt Myers, a resident of Mohawk, N.Y., who around 10 a.m. today set fire to his home, took a shotgun and drove to two area businesses where he opened fire on patrons, police said today at a press conference.

Myers is believed to have gone to John's Barber Shop in Mohawk where he allegedly killed Harry Montgomery, 68, of Mohawk, and Michael Rancier, 57, of Herkimer. He also wounded shop owner John Seymour and customer named Dan Haslauer, New York state Police Commissioner Joseph D'Amico said today.

He then drove to Gaffey's car wash in neighboring Herkimer where he gunned down Thomas Stefka, an employee at the car wash, and Michael Renshaw, D'Amico said.

Courtesy New York State Police

This handout photo from the New York State... View Full Size

Courtesy New York State Police

This handout photo from the New York State Police shows Kurt R. Myers, a suspect in two shootings in Mohawk, New York and Herkimer, New York on March 13, 2013.

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Myers then drove to an abandoned building where he opened fire on police who tracked him to the location, D'Amico said.

Officers shot at Myers but he retreated into the building, where he has been since this morning. State troopers and police officers are positioned outside of the building, police said.

D'Amico cited officer safety as the main reason for the standoff. He said special operation teams and crisis negotiators are on hand.

"We're in no rush to bring this to a conclusion," said D'Amico

Police do not know if Myers is still alive inside the building.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at an afternoon press conference that there was no obvious rational motive for the spree.

The Herkimer Central School District and Mohawk Central School District have been placed on lockdown because of the shooting, according to ABC News affiliate WUTR.

Fred Randall, who lives next door to Myers, told ABC News that Meyers is an older man who lives alone and has never been friendly to him.

Rendall said he would try to say '"good morning," a greeting that the neighbor usually did not return.