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| Teen shot and killed by police in upstate New York |
UTICA, N.Y. — An cop in upstate New York shot and killed a kid running while brandishing an imitation pistol, officials said Saturday.
The incident occurred Friday night, when cops in Utica stopped two juveniles at 10:18 p.m.
According to a statement released by the Utica Police Department, one of them escaped and pointed what seemed to be a weapon at officers.
One of the policemen fired a single shot at the boy, who was transported to Wynn Hospital and died from his injuries.
Officers later found an imitation GLOCK 17 Gen 5 pistol with a detachable magazine at the site, according to the statement.
"Photos of the weapon will be disseminated," the statement read.
A department spokesperson didn't respond to phone and email messages seeking more information about the weapon, which police characterized as a pellet gun during a news conference early Saturday.
Police have not released the identities of the officer or the youth who was 13 years old and of Asian descent, according to the statement.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased juvenile, as well as our officers involved in this incident,” the statement said.
Police said they will release a report offering a "comprehensive overview of the events" as well as full body camera footage from the relevant officers in the coming days.
The department also stated that it is aware of a video of the event circulating on social media, but cautioned that it does not depict the incident completely.
According to the agency, the state attorney general's office is required by law to lead the investigation into the incident. The police will also undertake their own internal probe.
Spokespersons for state Attorney General Letitia James' office didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Saturday.
“We again offer our condolences to the family of the deceased juvenile during this very difficult time, as well as the many lives that this has now permanently changed within our community," the police department said.