UTICA, N.Y. — A police officer in upstate New York shot and killed a teenager who fled while pointing a replica gun at him, police said Saturday.
The shooting occurred Friday evening after officers in Utica arrested two juveniles around 10:18 p.m
According to a statement from the Utica Police Department, one of them fled and pointed an object that appeared to be a firearm at the officers.
One of the officers fired one shot at the teenager, who was taken to Wynn Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Officers later recovered a replica GLOCK 17 Gen 5 pistol with a detachable magazine from the scene, the statement said.
“Photos of the weapon will be distributed,” the statement said.
A department spokesman did not respond to telephone and email messages seeking more information about the weapon, which police described as a pellet gun during a news conference early Saturday.
According to the statement, police have not released the identity of the officer or the youth, who was 13 years old and of Asian descent.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased minor, and with our officers involved in this incident,” the statement said.
Police said they will release a report in the coming days with a “comprehensive overview of the events,” as well as full-body camera footage of the officers involved.
The department also said it was aware of a video circulating on social media of the incident, but cautioned that it does not show the incident in its entirety.
State law requires the attorney general’s office to lead the investigation into the shooting, the department said. The police department will also conduct its own internal investigation.
Spokespeople for Attorney General Letitia James’ office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Saturday.
“We once again extend our condolences to the family of the deceased young person at this very difficult time, as well as to the many lives this has now permanently changed within our community,” police said.