By Trend News Line 2024-07-01 14:41:31.
**Tragic Shooting Incident in Utica**
A heartbreaking turn of events unfolded in Utica, upstate New York, when a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by an officer after he ran from the police and pointed a replica handgun at them. The incident occurred late at night on a Friday, sending shockwaves through the community.
**The Events Leading Up to the Shooting**
The tragic chain of events began when officers in Utica stopped two 13-year-olds in connection with an armed robbery investigation. The youths matched the descriptions of the suspects and were in the same area where the robbery took place. One of the boys, Nyah Mway, was walking in the road, a violation of state traffic law, prompting the officers to approach them.
**The Fatal Encounter**
Body camera footage released by the police captured the moment when Nyah Mway ran away from the officers. In a freeze frame from the video, he appeared to point a gun at the pursuing officers. The officers, believing it to be a real handgun, engaged in a struggle with the teen, which ultimately led to the fatal shot being fired.
**The Replica Gun**
It was later revealed that the weapon carried by Nyah Mway was a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun, designed to fire only pellets or BB’s. However, the realistic appearance of the replica, complete with markings and serial numbers, led the officers to believe it was a genuine firearm.
**The Officer Involved**
The officer who fired the fatal shot was identified as Patrick Husnay, a six-year veteran of the Utica Police Department. Following the incident, Husnay, along with Officers Bryce Patterson and Andrew Citriniti, were placed on administrative leave with pay as an internal investigation was launched.
**Community Outcry**
The shooting sparked a public outcry in Utica, with members of the community, including Nyah Mway’s family, demanding answers and justice. The release of the body camera footage only added to the tension, as onlookers screamed at the police during the chaotic scene.
**Investigations Underway**
The Utica Police Department is conducting an internal investigation to determine whether the officers followed protocols and training during the encounter. Additionally, the state attorney general’s office will open its own investigation to ascertain whether the shooting was justified.
**A Tragic Loss**
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams expressed his condolences to Nyah Mway’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of the incident on all those involved. The loss of a young life under such circumstances is undeniably devastating for the community and law enforcement alike.
**Moving Forward**
As the investigations unfold and the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, questions remain about the use of force and the circumstances that led to the tragic outcome. The need for transparency, accountability, and justice is paramount in ensuring such incidents are thoroughly examined and addressed..
– BWC video shows teen point replica gun at N.Y. officers before fatal OIS
– BWC video shows teen point replica gun at N.Y. officers before fatal officer-involved shooting.