Police shooting of refugee teen in Utica sparks investigation
Authorities reported on Saturday that a police officer fatally shot a 13-year-old boy in Utica, New York, who was fleeing in fear of arrest with a "realistic-looking weapon." The incident occurred after officers attempted to detain two young individuals. The officer shot the teenager in the chest during a "struggle on the ground".
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams, quoted by AP, said the incident happened on Friday after 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Officers were trying to detain two young individuals, and when one of the boys tried to flee and pointed an object that looked like a GLOCK 17 Gen 5 pistol at the officers, a struggle ensued. The officer shot the boy in the chest.
Williams said the officers administered "immediate" first aid to the teenager, and he was transported to the hospital, where he died.
During a press conference, Williams reported that the New York State Attorney General's Office would conduct the investigation. The police department will also conduct an internal investigation to determine whether the officers followed procedures. Per regulations, the officers will be placed on paid administrative leave until the matter is resolved.
13-year-old shot by police officer. Police did not explain why they tried to detain him
Local media reported that the deceased is Nyah Mway, a 13-year-old refugee from the Karen minority born in Myanmar. Lieutenant Michael Curley, the police spokesperson, confirmed the information.
A video of the incident is circulating on social media. Williams said, in his opinion, it does not show the entire encounter.
A recording posted on Facebook by a witness shows one of the officers chasing Nyah Mway and tackling him to the ground. It also shows the officer striking the teenager as two other officers approach. A shot can be heard as the teenager lies on the ground, AP reported of the video recording.
During Saturday's press conference, Williams did not explain why the police tried to detain the two young individuals or what the investigation against them was about. The press conference ended early as Williams, the city mayor, and the translator struggled to answer questions from upset Utica residents and the family of the shot boy, AP reported.
