13-Year-Old Pointing Pellet Gun at Police Shot and Killed by Officer During Foot Chase Late Friday Night in Utica
Utica, NY – In a tragic incident on Friday night, a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed by a Utica police officer after he brandished a pellet gun while fleeing from the authorities. The Utica Police Department released details of the incident on Saturday morning, shedding light on the circumstances that led to this fatal encounter.
According to the police report, the sequence of events began around 11:00 p.m. on Friday when officers responded to a call regarding suspicious activity in the Cornhill neighborhood. Residents had reported seeing a group of young individuals, and there were concerns about potential criminal behavior. As officers arrived on the scene, the group scattered, prompting a foot chase.
One of the individuals, later identified as the 13-year-old boy, attempted to evade the officers. During the pursuit, the boy reportedly turned and pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the pursuing officers. In response, one of the officers fired his service weapon, striking the boy. The officers immediately called for medical assistance and began life-saving measures. Unfortunately, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the weapon the boy had pointed at the officers was a pellet gun, designed to closely resemble a real handgun. The realistic appearance of the pellet gun likely contributed to the officer’s perception of an immediate threat, prompting the use of lethal force.
The incident has sparked a wave of grief and outrage within the Utica community, with many questioning the necessity and appropriateness of the officer’s actions. Local community leaders have called for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of the case.
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams addressed the media on Saturday, expressing his condolences to the boy’s family and the community. “This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved,” Chief Williams said. “Our officers are trained to respond to threats, and in this case, they believed their lives were in imminent danger. However, we recognize the gravity of this incident and are committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation.”
The New York State Attorney General’s Office has taken over the investigation, as mandated by state law in cases where law enforcement officers are involved in civilian fatalities. The Attorney General’s Office will examine all aspects of the incident, including the officers’ decision-making processes, the use of force, and the protocols followed during the encounter.
Preliminary findings from the investigation will be made available to the public, and a final report will be issued upon the conclusion of the investigation. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard procedure in such cases.
The family of the deceased boy has called for justice and accountability. In a statement released through their attorney, they described the boy as a “loving and vibrant child” who did not deserve to have his life cut short. They have requested privacy as they mourn their loss and urged the community to come together peacefully in the wake of the tragedy.
Community activists and local organizations have also mobilized, planning vigils and protests to demand answers and advocate for changes in police practices. They are calling for enhanced training for officers, particularly in de-escalation techniques and handling situations involving young individuals.
As the investigation continues, the incident remains a somber reminder of the complexities and dangers inherent in law enforcement. It underscores the critical need for ongoing dialogue between police departments and the communities they serve, aiming to build trust and ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
The Utica Police Department has pledged full cooperation with the Attorney General’s investigation and reiterated its commitment to transparency and justice. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, the hope is that a thorough and unbiased investigation will provide the answers and accountability that the boy’s family and the community deserve.
