Man reportedly tries to kill sheriff in knife attack — but bystanders intervene and shut it down

A New York man reportedly attempted to kill a local sheriff in a knife attack, but good Samaritans intervened and thwarted the suspect's plan.

What are the details?

The incident took place Tuesday morning when the suspect, 48-year-old Lynn M. Hall, pulled up behind Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph and began flashing his headlights.

According to the New York State Police, Hall has been charged with several felonies, including attempted first-degree murder, attempted first-degree assault, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

"An unknown vehicle began to tailgate Sheriff Rudolph, flashing its lights," the New York State Police said in a news release obtained by the Democrat & Chronicle. "Sheriff Rudolph pulled over to see if the vehicle needed assistance. The vehicle then pulled in front of the sheriff's vehicle, blocking him in."

At that point, Hall reportedly exited his vehicle and approached Rudolph, who was still inside his car. Rudolph reportedly recognized Hall as a local who had applied for a pistol permit and had visited the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office the day prior to inquire about the status on the permit.

Hall reportedly attempted to grab Rudolph's service weapon, and a "struggle continued to the ground on the side of the roadway." During the fight, Hall climbed on top of Rudolph and threatened to kill the sheriff with a knife.

What happened next?

Passers-by noticed the fracas and intervened.

"During the ground altercation, two civilian newspaper deliverers stopped and assisted the sheriff along with an off-duty New York State Trooper," the release said.

Hall was taken into custody after being subdued, and treated for injuries.

The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office handed the investigation over to state police.