Robert L. Langley Jr.
Sheriff of Putnam County
Press Release
Putnam teen accidentally fatally shoots himself
Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. reports that on February 1, 2019 at approximately 7:46 p.m. deputies responded to a radio run of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head of a 17 year old male at 56 Ridge Ave in Putnam Valley after another teen called 911 to report that his friend had accidentally shot himself.
Upon arrival, deputies observed 17-year-old Elias Knapp with an apparent gunshot wound to his head. Three friends of the victim were also present. Deputies Shawn Iarussi and Brian Neary along with EMS and a Medic assisted in administering aide to the young man, who, at the time, was still breathing. The teen was transported by the Mahopac Falls ambulance to then be airlifted to Westchester Medical Center.
Elias Knapp, who lived at that location with his family, later died from those injuries. The matter is currently under investigation by investigators from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Knapp Family.
