Police officer involved in shooting, teenager dead

At Utica City Hall, the cries of a grieving mother could be heard at a press conference Saturday morning reporting on the death of a 13-year-old member of the Karen community at the hands of a police officer Friday night.

What began as rumbling grew into screams from all sides as Utica Mayor Michael Galime spoke with the 13-year-old boy’s mother and family through an interpreter.

Saturday’s press conference was originally intended for members of the press, but was opened to the general public due to the large number of people in attendance, the mayor said.

“We called this press conference not only to explain everything and be completely transparent, but to express our condolences to the family and the community for their loss,” Galime said. “Last night, a stop like the one that took place was routine, but it became almost tragic in moments. We understand that and are here to be completely transparent and explain everything to the community about the incident and the process moving forward.”