A 67-year-old Canandaigua woman remains in critical condition on Wednesday night after being shot in her apartment on Center Street.
The incident prompted a multi-agency response and a vehicle pursuit that extended into neighboring Geneva, resulting in the arrest of a suspect now facing attempted murder charges.
Canandaigua Police responded to the multi-family residence at approximately 2:51 p.m. on June 24 following reports of a shooting.
Officers found the victim with a gunshot wound to the torso. Firefighters and emergency personnel provided immediate medical care at the scene before Mercy Flight transported her to Strong Memorial Hospital. By 9 p.m., the woman remained in critical condition, according to police updates.
Witness Information Leads to Swift Identification
Multiple witnesses provided descriptions of a suspect and vehicle leaving the scene, which officers quickly distributed to regional law enforcement agencies.
The information proved crucial to the investigation’s early progress. An Ontario County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle on Routes 5 and 20 as it entered the Town of Geneva.
When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver accelerated, initiating a pursuit that would span multiple jurisdictions.
The New York State Police and Geneva Police Department joined the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office in pursuing the vehicle through the Town of Geneva and into the City of Geneva.
During the chase, the suspect struck a utility pole and collided with a parked vehicle on Milton Street. The driver then fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief running pursuit.
Suspect Arrested with Loaded Firearm
Police recovered a loaded gun from the vehicle during their investigation.
Spencer D. Wayne, 44, of Elmira, was taken into custody and transported to the Ontario County Jail in Canandaigua. He faces charges of attempted murder and assault in connection with the shooting.
Law enforcement maintained a perimeter around the Center Street area near Beeman Street throughout the afternoon and evening, with road closures remaining in effect as of 9 p.m.
Police Chief Mathew Nielsen indicated the closures would be lifted shortly as the investigation progressed.
Community Impact and Investigation Status
The incident raised concerns throughout the Canandaigua community, particularly among residents of the multi-family residence where the shooting occurred.
The coordinated response from multiple agencies helped bring the situation under control within hours of the initial 911 call, though authorities continue processing evidence and gathering additional details.
The victim’s current status reflects the severity of her injuries, with medical personnel at Strong Memorial Hospital providing ongoing care.
The case remains active as investigators continue compiling evidence related to the shooting and the circumstances that led to the alleged confrontation on Center Street.
The rapid identification and apprehension of the suspect demonstrates the effectiveness of community cooperation with law enforcement.
The witness descriptions provided by those who saw the suspect’s vehicle leaving the scene proved instrumental in establishing the investigative lead that ultimately resulted in the arrest.
Authorities ask anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact Canandaigua Police or the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.
