08/16/2026
On August 15th, 2026, at approximately 8:48pm, members of the Camillus Police Department, responded to the Sunoco Gas Station located at 20 Genesee Street in the Village of Camillus for a reported robbery in progress involving a male suspect who was reportedly claiming to possess explosives.
Upon entering the business, the suspect advised employees and customers that he had explosives and threatened that they would die if they did not leave the business. There were reports that the suspect was also armed with a knife. Employees and customers were able to escape without injury while the suspect remained inside.
When members of the Camillus Police Department arrived on scene, they found the suspect to be inside of the business and immediately began communicating with the suspect, to resolve the incident peacefully.
Members of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Solvay Police Department, and Dewitt Police Department also responded to assist and provide resources.
A perimeter was established and a reverse 911 to shelter in place was initiated in the area. Some individuals were also safely evacuated from the area.
Waves Ambulance, Camillus Fire Department, along with multiple other Fire Departments responded and staged nearby.
The suspect refused repeated requests to exit the business. During the incident, the suspect advised he would blow the business up if anyone came inside, he also claimed to be in possession of a firearm and started a fire inside of the business.
After continuing negotiations, the suspect eventually exited the business and was taken into custody without further incident. After the scene was rendered safe by police, firefighters responded and extinguished the fire. No injuries to the employees, customers, officers, firefighters or members of the public were reported. The suspect was not injured however; he was transported to the hospital for an evaluation and released. No explosives or weapons were located inside the business.
The suspect has been identified as Christopher Piedmont, 54 years of age, of Auburn, NY and is being charged with the following charges:
• Arson in the third degree, C Felony
• Criminal Mischief in the second degree, D Felony
• Menacing in the third degree, B Misdemeanor (2 counts)
Piedmont was transported to the Onondaga County Justice Center pending arraignment.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information can call Camillus Police Department Detectives at (315) 487-6425 or (315) 487-0102.
The Camillus Police Department would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation along with our partners in Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS for their assistance during this incident.
