Lake George fatal stabbing ruled self-defense

LAKE GEORGE | Authorities said a late-night altercation between acquaintances ended with one fatality, one person hospitalized with serious injuries and another facing a high-level felony charge. The Warren County Sheriff's Office started receiving 911 calls about the melee at about 11:40 p.m. Aug. 1 after an apparent fight broke out on Route 9 north of Lake George. The Sheriff's Office was first called to the area of Beach Road and Canada Street in Lake George for reports of a person, or persons, with stab wounds. A second 911 call at almost the same time reported another person stabbed on Route 9 in the area of the Adirondack Sunrise Motel. On Friday, as the investigation by the Sheriff's Office and New York State Police continued, authorities said it's believed that a physical altercation took place in the roadway on Route 9 involving 57-year-old John W. Kopel of Chestertown, 18-year-old Noah A. Hare (homeless) and 33-year-old Jeramee R. Tucker of Glens Falls. Police believe Kopel and Hare assaulted Tucker with 'dangerous instruments' and Tucker responded in self-defense, leaving Kopel stabbed in the chest and Hare with a stab wound in his right arm. Tucker sustained multiple injuries. All three were rushed to area hospitals. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by Lake George EMS and responding officers, John W. Kopel was pronounced deceased at Glens Falls Hospital. Hare was also taken to Glens Falls Hospital where he was treated and later taken into custody for first-degree assault. He remained in custody Friday afternoon awaiting arraignment. Tucker was transported to Albany Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition Friday afternoon. Police said charges 'will not be filed against Tucker as it was determined he was defending himself from an attack.' Police said the three were acquainted with one another. Warren County Sheriff Jim LaFarr stressed that the 'Sheriff's Office does not have any concerns for public safety, our residents, or tourists relative to this incident.' The investigation into the violence continued Friday afternoon.

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Lake George fatal stabbing ruled self-defense

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