Otsego County Man Arrested; Victim Airlifted After Alleged Shotgun Attack

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 32-year-old Ryley W. Decker of Unadilla, New York, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on April 14, 2025.

Decker was taken into custody without incident and now faces multiple felony charges, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Aggravated Criminal Possession of a Weapon, both classified as Class C felonies. He is also charged with Assault in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, both Class D felonies.

The charges stem from an incident in the Town of Unadilla, where deputies from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and members of the New York State Police responded to the Wells Bridge Fire Department for a report of a gunshot victim.

According to investigators, the victim had been helping an uninvolved friend move out of a residence when Decker allegedly discharged a shotgun, striking the victim. The injured individual was driven to the fire department by the friend, where a citizen immediately called 911 to report the emergency.

Deputies arrived at the fire department and provided medical assistance to the victim until EMS arrived. Additional Sheriff’s Office and State Police units responded to the scene of the incident to secure the location. The victim was later airlifted by LifeNet to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse for further treatment of their injuries.

Following an investigation, law enforcement officials located Decker at his place of employment. He was taken into custody by the New York State Police without further incident. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence in question, where additional evidence related to the shooting was recovered.

Decker was processed and transported to the Otsego County Correctional Facility, where he is currently being held pending centralized arraignment in the Town of Unadilla Court.

The Otsego County District Attorney’s Office has recommended bail in the amount of $20,000 cash, $20,000 credit card, or a $200,000 surety bond. An order of protection will be issued on behalf of the victim during the arraignment proceedings.

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the investigation and response by the New York State Police, Otsego County EMS, and Wells Bridge EMS.

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Authorities have stated that this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be pending as it continues.