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A police officer and a sheriff’s deputy in New York were shot and killed Sunday evening in the town of Salina, according to officials.
Onondaga County Sheriff Tobias Shelley identified the two as a deputy at his department and a Syracuse police officer, according to WSYR-TV. Their names have not been released.
The suspect was also killed.
The incident began at about 7:07 p.m. on Sunday when Syracuse police officers spotted a “suspicious vehicle” in the area of Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused and instead fled the area.
A Syracuse police officer and an Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputy were shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday night responding to a call in Salina, New York. (Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office)
The officers lost sight of the vehicle but managed to record the license plate. After checking the vehicle registration, officers determined where the owner resided in Salina.
Officers, joined by Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputies, responded to the address and found the vehicle parked at a residence on Darien Drive.
“They asked for assistance from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office because they learned additional information the individual driving the vehicle might be armed,” Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile said at a news conference. “Officers from the city and county arrived at the residence on Darien Drive about the same time.”
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Shortly after their arrival, the officers and deputies were encountered by an armed man, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
“While they were inspecting the vehicle and saw what appeared to be guns inside, they heard what sounded like someone manipulating a firearm from inside the residence,” Cecile said. “Moments later, there was an exchange of gunfire between at least one suspect and the officers and deputies.”
One officer and one deputy were shot, as was the armed suspect.
The officers were originally responding to a report of a stolen vehicle in Syracuse. (Syracuse Police)
The officer, deputy and suspect were transported to Upstate University Hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, as well as with their brothers and sisters in law enforcement who are suffering in the wake of this tragedy,” the sheriff’s office said in the news release.
As of late Sunday night, the sheriff’s office was waiting for a warrant to search the house.
Shelley said there is no direct threat to the community and the area is secured.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
