The Elmira Police Department has confirmed that Benjamin N. Green, a known parole violator, has been arrested and indicted on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder in the second degree, in connection with a violent shooting incident that occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025, near Broadway Street and Mt. Zoar Street in Elmira, New York. The shooting, which took place during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, left two people injured and triggered an urgent and extensive investigation by local and state law enforcement agencies.
The arrest and subsequent indictment of Green come as the result of several days of coordinated investigative work by the Elmira Police Department in collaboration with the New York State Police. Officers and detectives reportedly worked around the clock to collect forensic evidence from the crime scene, conduct interviews, and review surveillance and other data in an effort to identify the suspect responsible for the act of violence that shook the Broadway and Mt. Zoar Street neighborhood.
According to an official release from the Elmira Police Department, Benjamin Green has been charged with the following offenses:
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Attempted murder in the second degree, a Class B felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison if convicted
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Criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, also a Class B felony, further elevating the seriousness of the incident due to the use of a deadly weapon
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Two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, each a Class C felony, indicating the unlawful possession of firearms
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Assault in the second degree, a Class D felony, relating to the injuries sustained by the victims
The charges reflect not only the alleged attempt on the lives of others but also the illegal possession and use of a firearm while under parole supervisionโa factor that has intensified public concern and prosecutorial scrutiny.
Following the shooting, investigators reportedly recovered physical evidence from the scene, which may have included shell casings, surveillance footage, or witness statements that led them to Green. Details on the nature of the evidence have not been disclosed, but police were able to build a strong enough case to identify Green as the prime suspect within just a few days of the incident.
The manhunt concluded on Wednesday, July 9, when officers from both the Elmira Police Department and the New York State Police located Green and took him into custody on an existing parole warrant. He was then transported to the Chemung County Jail, where he remained pending further legal action. The next day, Thursday, July 10, Green was formally indicted by a grand jury on the list of felony charges. On Friday, July 11, he was arraigned in Chemung County Court and held in lieu of $750,000 bail or $1.5 million bondโa reflection of the seriousness of the charges and the danger prosecutors believe he poses to the community.
The shooting, though not fatal, caused significant alarm in the Elmira community, particularly as it occurred during a celebratory weekend when families and friends had gathered to mark the nationโs independence. The eruption of gunfire in a residential neighborhood in the early morning hours brought back into focus ongoing concerns about gun violence, illegal weapons possession, and the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders who continue to pose threats despite being under supervision.
Police have not yet released the identities or updated conditions of the two individuals who were injured in the July 5 shooting. What is known is that both were wounded seriously enough to require immediate medical attention, and their cases have now become key components of the attempted murder and assault charges levied against Green.
As the case proceeds, legal analysts note that the inclusion of criminal use of a firearm in the first degreeโin addition to attempted murderโcould significantly influence both the juryโs perception and the potential sentencing outcome. New York State laws impose severe penalties for firearm-related offenses, especially for individuals with prior felony records or parole violations, as is the case with Green.
Community response has been swift and emotionally charged. Local leaders and residents have expressed frustration over yet another instance in which a parolee is accused of committing a violent act. Some have called for tougher supervision and stricter enforcement mechanisms to prevent parolees from accessing firearms and committing new crimes. Others have voiced support for continued investments in violence interruption programs and youth engagement initiatives aimed at disrupting the cycle of gun violence in communities like Elmira.
The Elmira Police Department has encouraged anyone with additional information about the July 5 shooting to come forward. Individuals can contact the EPD directly at (607) 737-5626 or use the anonymous tip line at 271-HALT. Law enforcement emphasizes that even small details can be critical in strengthening the case and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
As the criminal case against Benjamin Green moves into the next phase, all eyes will be on Chemung County Court, where prosecutors are expected to pursue the charges with force. If convicted on all counts, Green faces a potential decades-long prison sentence. Until then, he remains incarcerated in Chemung County, awaiting trial for a shooting that once again underscores the urgent, ongoing battle against illegal guns and violent crime in small American cities.
This case marks a pivotal moment for Elmiraโa community seeking not only justice for two injured residents, but also systemic solutions to prevent the next gun from going off.