Utica, New York – Police in Utica, New York, fatally shot a 13-year-old after a chase where the teen displayed what appeared to be a handgun. The incident occurred on Friday around 10 p.m. local time when officers stopped two teenagers for questioning in the city of Utica, located about an hour’s drive from Syracuse.
During the encounter, one of the teens fled on foot, leading to a chase. As the teen ran, police observed what looked like a handgun pointed at them. In response, one of the officers fired his gun, hitting the teen, described as an Asian male. Despite receiving immediate first aid at the scene, he later succumbed to his injuries at Wynn Hospital.
Authorities later discovered that the weapon the teen possessed was a replica Glock handgun with a detachable magazine, ultimately revealed to be a pellet gun. The identities of both the deceased 13-year-old and the officer who fired the fatal shot have not been disclosed, pending notification of their next of kin.
Amidst the tragedy, the Utica City School District’s interim superintendent expressed condolences and stated that the student’s name would not be made public out of respect for the family. An interpreter was present at a news conference to assist with translating information for the family and their community.
In response to a circulating social media video related to the incident, police acknowledged its presence but emphasized that it did not capture the full scope of the event. As investigations into the shooting continue, authorities plan to release additional materials such as a critical incident brief and full bodycam footage in the coming days.
The shooting has raised questions and concerns about safety and policing in the Utica community, prompting reflection on the challenges faced by both law enforcement and residents. The case remains ongoing, with updates expected as more details are uncovered and shared with the public.