BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle says an investigation into the shooting of an Ogdensburg police officer remains under investigation, but further details aren’t being shared at this time.

Ogdensburg Police Chief Mark Kearns confirmed recently that the investigation centers on Jessica Rivers, a 17-year city police veteran, who is believed to be involved in what’s been referred to as an accidental shooting that occurred June 20 inside the police department.

Officer Daniel Hollister was shot and injured during the incident. He was transported to Syracuse Hospital where he was treated and later released and returned home to recover with his family.

Engle said he would not comment on whether or not charges were expected at this time due to the ongoing investigation, but said he expected to have an update in the near future.

When the incident occurred six officers and a civilian member of the department, who witnessed the incident, were placed on leave, but returned to work following interviews with the sheriff’s investigators. Mayor Michael Tooley said that action took place as part of protocol related to the event.

Additionally, Rivers and Hollister have remained off duty since the incident occurred.

It’s unclear at this time if, or when, either will return to duty.

Details surrounding how the shooting occurred have remained underwraps, which is due to the fact that the investigation has not yet been completed, according to Engle.

As for disciplinary action those decisions will be determined by the city.

 Since June of 2020, police disciplinary records have been deemed public documents that are not exempt under the state’s freedom of information law. However, the documents are not available until investigations are completed and official disciplinary action has occurred. To that end, Chief Kearns said an independent investigation is being conducted by the City of Ogdensburg and the Office of the Ogdensburg City Police Chief. 

A gofundme to benefit Hollister family can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-officer-dan-hollisters-recovery