Megan Coleman anchors the 5:00p, 5:30p, and 6:00p newcasts on WSTM/NBC and serves as News Content Manager for the CNY Central media group.
High honors for an Oneida County Sheriff's deputy who was shot last year following a bank robbery and chase in Rome. This week, Deputy Michael Burger was awarded the New York State Sheriff's Association Deputy of the Year.
On July 29th of last year, investigators say two men wearing ski masks walked into the NBT Bank in Rome armed with handguns and one of them fired multiple shots, robbed the bank and took off. Authorities have charged Brian Brown and his cousin Ikiko Brown with the crime.
Deputy Burger was on patrol when he spotted a car matching the description of the suspect vehicle. He eventually pulled over the driver on Route 49 in Marcy and told the suspects to get out. The alleged driver, Ikiko Brown, got out and was taken into custody. The other suspect, Brian Brown, allegedly got into the driver's seat and took off. Deputy Burger went after him, chasing him for about 5 miles when Brown allegedly crashed into a wooden area. As Deputy Burger got out, investigators say, Brian Brown started shooting at him, hitting him in the ankle. Deputy Burger fired back, but Brown allegedly took off.
For the next 24 hours, Sheriff's deputies, State police, Utica police and every law enforcement agency in a three county area put up road blocks, searching for Brown. He was later taken into custody.
Months later, Deputy Burger is now being honored for exceptional courage, valor and determination.
