The tranquility of a Wednesday afternoon in Canandaigua was shattered by a shooting that left a 67-year-old woman in critical condition. The incident, which occurred around 2:50 p.m. on June 24, 2026, set off a chain of events that culminated in a high-speed chase and the arrest of a suspect.
The Canandaigua Police Department responded swiftly to a multi-family residence on Center Street where they found the victim with a gunshot wound to her torso. Emergency personnel, including Canandaigua firefighters, provided immediate treatment before the woman was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital via Mercy Flight. As of 9 p.m., her condition remained critical.
The Chase and Arrest
law enforcement officers quickly identified a suspect and a vehicle seen fleeing the scene. The pursuit began when an Ontario County sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle on Routes 5 and 20 entering the Town of Geneva. The vehicle fled an attempted traffic stop, leading to a chase involving the Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and the Geneva Police Department.
The chase ended on Milton Street in Geneva, where the suspect, identified as Spencer D. Wayne of Elmira, crashed into a utility pole and a parked vehicle. Wayne attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a short chase. A loaded gun was discovered in the vehicle.
Charges and Investigation
Wayne, 50, was charged with second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. He was transported to the Ontario County Jail to await arraignment in CAP court. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are pending.
The incident caused significant disruption in the area, with part of Center Street near Beeman Street in Canandaigua blocked off for several hours. Police Chief Mathew Nielsen expected the roads to reopen shortly before 9 p.m.
The events of June 24, 2026, highlight the swift and coordinated response of local law enforcement agencies in the face of a serious and violent crime. The community remains on edge as the investigation continues and the victim fights for her life.
