On August 30, 2024, the Ithaca Police Department arrested 40-year-old Ithaca resident Tarrant Sheppard in connection with a shooting that occurred earlier that day in the 300 block of West Buffalo Street. The incident took place around 12:30 PM near Catholic Charities in the vicinity of the Founder’s Way apartments.
According to a police press release, officers arrived at the scene and discovered a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The individual was transported to a regional trauma center, where it was confirmed that their injuries were non-life-threatening. The suspect, identified as Sheppard, had already fled the scene before officers arrived.
Following an investigation, Sheppard was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, a class C felony, and Attempted Assault in the 1st Degree, a class D felony. He was arraigned before a City of Ithaca judge on August 31, 2024, and was remanded to the Tompkins County Jail without bail.
Police have stated that this incident does not appear to have been a random act. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the motive or circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Sheppard has a lengthy criminal history. In 2003, Sheppard was involved in a fatal incident in Ithaca where a gun discharged while he was wrestling with Enrique “Ricky” Chavez, resulting in Chavez’s death. Sheppard was initially charged with multiple crimes, including second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, but was only convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 3.5 to seven years in prison. Sheppard was released from prison in January 2014. In 2015, Sheppard moved to vacate this conviction.
In 2017, Sheppard was charged with felony burglary after allegedly forcing his way into an apartment on West Spencer Street.
In 2018, Sheppard was arrested after allegedly threatening several women with an ice pick and spitting on police officers following his arrest. Sheppard was charged with felony menacing in the 1st Degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd Degree, in addition to misdemeanor obstructing governmental administration and harassment.
In 2019, Sheppard was charged with felony assault in connection with a stabbing on Spencer Road.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Ithaca Police Department as they continue to investigate the incident.
Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245
Police Administration: 607-272-9973
Police Tipline: 607-330-0000
Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips