ALBANY - A New York State Trooper on foot patrol on the Concourse of the Empire State Plaza in Albany was assaulted by an individual and resulted in the Trooper suffering from stab wounds.    The incident happened at approximately 3:15 Sunday afternoon,

Trooper Rodney Smith, a 15 year veteran of the New York State Police was approached by an individual who began a conversation with the Trooper regarding being new in town and not knowing anyone in the area. Trooper Smith was in the process of checking the subject’s identification when he was struck in the neck on the left side with a steak knife.  

A brief struggle ensued with the Trooper able to fend off the assailant but he also suffered an additional puncture wound to the right side of his neck, his face, and numerous superficial wounds to hands and arms. The unknown subject was able to remove the Trooper’s radio and fled the scene on foot. Trooper Smith was able to call for help using a cell phone.  

Trooper Smith was rushed to Albany Medical Center Hospital and underwent surgery and is expected to fully recover.  

The search is being conducted by the State Police and the Albany Police Department and officials ask that anyone who may have seen this individual fleeing the scene or has knowledge of the incident to call the New York State Police at 518-473-5164.  

"Our troopers can find themselves in dangerous and sometimes life threatening situations on any given day. Fortunately Trooper Smith is expected to make a full recovery," said State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico. "State Police are working with the Albany Police Department as well as other area law enforcement to identify the individual responsible for this senseless attack. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Smith’s family."