In a tragic incident in Utica, New York, a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by police officers after he ran from them and pointed a replica handgun in their direction. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Friday, in a city approximately 240 miles northwest of Manhattan. The young boy, identified as Nyah Mway, was involved in a police stop in connection with an armed robbery investigation.
The encounter began when police stopped two 13-year-olds matching the descriptions of robbery suspects from the previous day. One of the boys, Nyah Mway, fled the scene, prompting a police chase. Body camera footage shows an officer attempting to pat down the youths for weapons before Mway ran off. During the pursuit, Mway appeared to point a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun at the officers, leading them to believe it was a real firearm.
Incident and Initial Response
The youths, both 13, matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects and were in the same area at around the same time the day after, police said.
One was also walking in the road, a violation of state traffic law.
The body camera video released by police captures an officer saying he needs to pat them down to ensure they don’t have any weapons in their possession. Immediately one of the two, identified by police as as Nyah Mway, runs away.
Authorities froze frames of the video where a running Nyah Mway appears to point the gun at the pursuing officers. Police also edited the video to insert a red circle around the weapon to show it to viewers.
The officers believed it was a handgun, police said, but it was later determined to be a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine.
“During a ground struggle” with the teen, one of the officers fired a single shot that struck the boy in the chest, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said.
The teen was given “immediate” first aid by the officers and taken to Wynn Hospital, where he died, the chief said.
The replica gun carried by the teen “is in all aspects a realistic appearing firearm with GLOCK markings, signatures, detachable magazine, and serial numbers,” Lt. Michael Curley, a police spokesperson, said via email. “However ultimately it fires only pellets or BB’s.”
Community Reaction and Investigation
The shooting has sparked outrage within the Utica community. During a press conference attended by Mway’s family, members of the community heckled the Utica Police Chief, Mark Williams. A candlelight vigil was held for Mway, where hundreds gathered, demanding justice. Kay Klo, director at Midtown Utica Community Center, described the incident as a tragic murder by police officers, amplifying calls for justice.
Detailed Examination of Events
The body camera footage released by police provides a chaotic and intense narrative of the events. Officers can be heard shouting “gun!” as Mway runs, and the video shows Patterson tackling and punching Mway before Husnay fires the fatal shot. The other youth involved was detained in a police vehicle and was not part of the shooting.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigations
Utica Mayor Michael Galime has urged the community to remain calm and ensure every detail of the incident is thoroughly understood. The officers involved, Husnay, Patterson, and Andrew Citriniti, have been placed on administrative leave with pay while the New York attorney general’s office and Utica police conduct their investigations. In a public safety statement, Husnay claimed he fired one round towards the ground, believing Mway had a real firearm.
Background of the Deceased
Nyah Mway was identified as an eighth grader at Donovan Middle School and a refugee from Myanmar, belonging to the Karen ethnic minority. The Karen people are an ethnic group engaged in conflict with Myanmar’s military rulers. The incident has highlighted the complex and traumatic experiences faced by refugee families in the United States.
Official Condolences and Community Impact
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams expressed his condolences to Mway’s family, describing the event as a tragic and traumatic incident for all involved. The community’s response underscores the deep-seated concerns regarding police interactions with minority youth and the use of force. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice and understanding the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event.
Follow Us
