Police shoot teenager who allegedly carried a replica firearm

The fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy who allegedly pointed a replica gun at him during an encounter with police in Utica, New York, on Friday night is under investigation, police said.

The incident began around 10:18 p.m. when officers from the police department’s crime prevention unit stopped two people as part of an unspecified police investigation, Utica police said.

During the check, the 13-year-old fled from the police officers who were pursuing him, according to police. The unidentified boy pointed a gun at the police officers, whereupon one of the officers fired a shot at the teenager, according to investigators.

The boy was taken to Wynn Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, police said. After the shooting, investigators discovered “a replica GLOCK 17 Gen 5 pistol with a detachable magazine,” investigators said.

Utica Police Chief Mark Williams told reporters Saturday morning that the replica firearm appeared to be an air rifle.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased juvenile as well as our officers involved in this incident,” Utica police said in a statement.

The press conference of Police Chief and Mayor Michael P. Galime was repeatedly disrupted by shouting from the public.

Williams said the officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave while the New York Attorney General’s Office investigates the incident. Utica police will also investigate the shooting.

“In addition, we will work closely and openly with the City of Utica Public Safety Advisory Committee. We value their mission and want to use a variety of means to ensure the public is fully informed of the facts of this incident,” police said in a statement.

Williams did not reveal the identities of the officers or the victim, but said police will release more information and details in the coming days, including body camera footage of the incident.