Police fatally shot a 13-year-old after a chase in upstate New York after the teenager displayed what seemed to be a handgun, the Utica Police Division stated in a statement.
Officers stopped two youngsters on Friday round 10 p.m. native time in Utica, a city of 65,283 individuals in upstate New York situated about an hour’s drive from Syracuse, police stated. Whereas the authorities have been questioning the teenagers, certainly one of them fled on foot, the assertion stated.
As he ran, police noticed what “seemed to be a handgun” pointed on the officers. One of many officers fired his gun and hit the teenager, described as an Asian male. He was given instant first help by the cops and was delivered to Wynn Hospital the place he died from his wounds, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams stated at a Saturday morning information convention.
Officers stated they discovered a reproduction Glock handgun with a removable journal following the taking pictures.
“This reproduction handgun was finally discovered to be a pellet gun,” Williams stated.
Authorities haven’t but launched the names of the deceased 13-year-old or the officer who shot him till the subsequent of kin is notified. An interpreter was on the information convention to supply translation for the household and their group who have been in attendance, so they might perceive the knowledge offered.
The household’s language or ethnicity wasn’t recognized however Utica has resettled massive quantities of refugees in recent times. In line with the Mohawk Valley Useful resource Middle for Refugees, one of many largest numbers of Asian refugees Utica has resettled are from Burma, together with from the Karen ethnic group in addition to different teams. Different Asian refugees embody Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodians together with Bosnians, Dominicans and extra, the middle stated. Simply over 19 p.c of the as soon as quickly declining industrial metropolis is now foreign-born, the middle stated.
Utica Metropolis College District’s interim superintendent launched an announcement on Saturday saying out of respect for the coed’s household they would not launch his identify.
“This tragedy reminds us of the great challenges our group faces, notably our companions in regulation enforcement, who tirelessly try to make sure our streets stay secure,” interim superintendent Dr. Kathleen Davis stated.
A social media video associated to the incident has been circulating on the web. Relating to the video, police stated, “We’re conscious of a video of the incident circulating on social media platforms, which doesn’t painting the incident in its entirety.”
Police stated they’re conducting an investigation following the taking pictures and stated they may launch objects associated to the taking pictures over the subsequent a number of days, together with a essential incident temporary and the total bodycam footage. The chief stated throughout the information convention the cops concerned within the taking pictures have been positioned on administrative go away.
This can be a growing story. Please examine again for updates.
