DRYDEN, NY -- State police and local law enforcement in Tompkins County are investigating an early morning fire at the residence of Sergeant Bryan Bangs.
Bangs is the Ithaca police officer who was cleared of any wrongdoing by a Tompkins County Grand Jury after he shot killed a drug suspect in February.
State police say Bangs was alone in his Dryden home around 4 a.m. when he woke up to the fire.
State police say he was able to escape before being transported to Cayuga Medical Center, where he was treated for minor smoke inhalation.
He was later released.
There were no other injuries, but troopers say the home was severely damaged by the fire.
The investigation in ongoing.
State police tell CNY Central they are proceding with all of the recent events in mind, however, adding the fire is suspicious and possibly a crime.
Stay with CNY Central for updates.
