Teenager Shot and Killed by Officer in Upstate New York During Fleeing Incident

An incident in upstate New York has resulted in the shooting and killing of a teenager who was fleeing while wielding what appeared to be a real firearm. The shooting took place on Friday night, after officers in the city of Utica stopped two youths at around 10:18 p.m.

Incident Details

During a news conference at Utica City Hall, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams declared that one of the youths attempted to escape on foot and pointed what seemed to be a handgun at the officers. This led to one of the officers firing a single shot at the teen during a ground struggle, ultimately resulting in his death. The teenager, reported to be a 13-year-old Asian male, was given immediate first aid but succumbed to his injuries at Wynn Hospital.

The authorities recovered a replica GLOCK 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine from the scene. Lt. Michael Curley elaborated that the weapon, although appearing realistic with GLOCK markings, signatures, a detachable magazine, and serial numbers, only fires pellets or BB’s. The police chief announced that the department would release the identities of the officer and the youth, along with photos of the weapon. Additionally, a comprehensive report detailing the events and the full body camera footage from the officers involved will be made public in the coming days.

Community Response

During the news conference, members of the community, including the youth's family, were present. Audience members reacted emotionally at times, with some imploring for quiet so that others, particularly those from the Burmese community, could hear the responses translated by an interpreter in Karen.

Transparency and Investigation

Mayor Michael Galime assured the public of transparency in the investigation, stating that officials would meet privately with the youth’s family and other community members to answer their questions. He emphasized that all aspects of the incident would be released for public access.

The Office of the New York State Attorney General will lead the investigation into the shooting to determine whether it was justified. According to Williams, the officers involved will be placed on administrative leave with pay, pending further notice. The department will also conduct an internal investigation to ascertain if officers followed department policies and training.

Williams concluded by expressing his condolences to the family of the deceased, acknowledging the tragic and traumatic nature of the incident. He also addressed the circulation of a video on social media, cautioning that it does not portray the incident in its entirety.