Sheriff's deputy shot

A Columbia County sheriff's deputy survived a shotgun blast overnight thanks to his bulletproof vest.

The unidentified deputy was hit while setting up a perimeter outside 48 Prospect Street in the Village of Philmont, Sheriff David W. Harrison, Jr. said. The alleged shooter, Michael D'Alessio, 44, had barricaded himself inside the residence.

D'Alessio first opened fire as deputies attempted to execute an assault warrant at about 11:00 Monday night, Harrison said. The deputies retreated and took-up defensive positions outside the green one-story house.

At some point D'Alessio fired a second time, striking one deputy in his bulletproof vest, Harrison said. The shot ricocheted into his arm, but the injury was minor.

Sheriff's deputies, along with Philmont Police, State Police, and SWAT team members, spent the ensuing seven and a half hours trying to coax D'Alessio out of his house, Harrison said. At 6:30 a.m Tuesday, he surrendered.

Deputies took D'Alessio into custody without firing a single shot.

"We took our time and it worked," Harrison said.

Harrison is conferring with the District Attorney's office on which charges to file. They may include attempted murder, he said.

Harrison would not elaborate on the nature of the original warrant, but indicated "family problems" may have caused D'Alessio to snap.

Neighbors, who were evacuated to the village firehouse during the stand-off, told CBS 6 D'Alessio's wife had recently left him and the state had taken away his children. They said sheriff's deputies had been to the house several times in recent months.

Harrison said D'Alessio was "familiar" to the sheriff's office.