Syracuse cops killed in shootout are named along with suspect who lured them to house then ambushed them after fleeing while they tried to stop his vehicle
Police have identified the officer and a sheriff’s deputy who were fatally shot in New York state by a man who was himself killed by police during a shootout.
Officer Michael Jensen, 29, and Deputy Sheriff Michael Hoosock, 37, were killed in a gunfight Sunday evening shortly after 8 p.m. in Liverpool, about six miles north of Syracuse.
Jensen had earlier tried to pull over a car believed to be driven by the suspected shooter, 33-year-old Christopher Murphy.
But the driver refused to stop and evaded police, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said Monday.
Officers were able to identify the number plate and trace it to an address in nearby Liverpool.
Officer Michael Jensen (pictured left), 29, and Deputy Michael Hoosock (pictured right), 37, were killed in a gunfire Sunday evening shortly after 8 p.m. in Liverpool, about six miles north of Syracuse.
Police have identified the officer and a sheriff’s deputy who were fatally shot in New York state by a man who was himself killed by law enforcement during a shootout.
They requested assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile said at a news conference.
Officers found the car at the home and saw what appeared to be weapons in the car.
At one point, “they heard what sounded like someone manipulating a firearm from inside the home,” Cecile said.
At the house, Murphy had told a friend that police would not arrest him and that the friend had to leave.
The friend ran out of the house. Murphy began firing a high-capacity weapon, Fitzpatrick said.
“We believe the first officer shot was a deputy standing in the back of the house. And I don’t think he knew what was going to happen,” Fitzpatrick said.
Murphy came out of the house and shot at four Syracuse police officers standing near the front, hitting one near the armpit in an area not protected by the officer’s vest. Two officers returned fire, including the officer who was shot, the prosecutor said.
The Syracuse officer, sheriff’s deputy and suspect were taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.
Police officers salute as the bodies of Jensen and Hoosock are transported to the Wally Howard Forensics Science Center in Syracuse
Transport ambulances transported the bodies of the two slain officers early Monday morning
Armed law enforcement officers patrol the scene of the shooting in Liverpool
Police officers outside Murphy’s home on Darien Drive in Salina collect evidence and search for clues to aid in their investigation
All three were pronounced dead at the hospital, Cecile said.
“We lost two heroes tonight,” she added.
Hoosock was an experienced public servant, having spent 16 years as a fire captain and lieutenant in Moyers Coners, a paramedic for Rural Metro Syracuse and as a law enforcement officer.
“To say he will be missed is an extreme understatement. Whether in fire service, law enforcement or as an EMT, everyone knew how dedicated he was to the community,” the fire department said in a Facebook post.
“Even as a lieutenant, he was active in the community, providing proactive policing and helping wherever he could with his extensive and varied background of experience.”
Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said the deputy had been with the department for a long time and was “just a great guy.”
Jensen had just joined the local police department two years earlier from nearby Rome, New York. Cecile described him as ambitious and hardworking.
Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was “shocked by the senseless killing” of the two officers.
Murphy had told a friend that police would not arrest him and that the friend had to leave
Hoosock was an experienced public servant, having spent 16 years as a captain and lieutenant of the Moyers Coners Fire Department, a paramedic for Rural Metro Syracuse and as a law enforcement officer.
“To say he will be missed is an extreme understatement. Whether in fire service, law enforcement or as an EMT, everyone knew how dedicated he was to the community,” the fire department said in a Facebook post.
Murphy came out of the house and shot at four Syracuse police officers standing near the front, hitting one near the armpit in an area not protected by the officer’s vest. Two officers returned fire, including the officer who was shot, the prosecutor said
“My prayers are with their families, loved ones and their colleagues,” the governor wrote on X. “New York will never forget their heroism and service.”
The officers were the first law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Onondaga County since Officer Wallie Howard Jr. was shot and killed during an undercover drug operation in October 1990, officials said.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “This is a dark day for Syracuse. This is our worst nightmare coming true.”
Shelley said police planned to search the home as part of the ongoing investigation.
Murphy had no criminal record other than being charged with driving under the influence a decade ago, Fitzpatrick said.
DailyMail.com has contacted the Syracuse Police Department for further comment.