On March 1, 2006 at approximately 12:05 pm, New York State Trooper Andrew J. Sperr encountered a suspicious vehicle on the Lowe Road in the Town of Big Flats, New York.  Unbeknownst to him, the two male occupants of the vehicle had just robbed the Chemung Canal Bank in Big Flats.  The bank robbers had left a vehicle in a parking area off the Lowe Road and were on their way to change vehicles when Trooper Sperr observed them.  Trooper Sperr followed them into the parking area and as he approached their vehicle, the passenger fired at him.  Trooper Sperr was immediately struck twice by gunfire, but despite his wounds, he drew his issue sidearm and returned fire.  During the ensuring gun battle, Trooper Sperr managed to hit both suspects.  Trooper Sperr received two additional gunshot wounds before the assailants fled.  Trooper Sperr succumbed to his wounds at the shooting scene.  MORE