In Utica, New York, a 13-year-old named Nyah Mway was shot and killed by a police officer on Friday night. The incident occurred after the police claimed that he ran away and pointed a replica handgun at them.
The teenager and another 13-year-old were approached by three officers who suspected them of being involved in a robbery. The officers were patrolling the area following reports of recent robberies involving suspects matching the teenagers’ descriptions and armed with a black firearm.
According to the Utica Police Department, the officers stopped Nyah Mway and the other juvenile based on the robbery suspects’ descriptions and their proximity to the previous crime scene. The police also noted that Nyah Mway was violating traffic laws by walking on the road.
Bodycam footage and statements from the Utica Police revealed that when the officers tried to stop the teenagers, Nyah Mway fled on foot. During the pursuit, he allegedly pulled out what seemed to be a handgun, later identified as a replica Glock pellet gun, and pointed it at the officers. In response, one of the officers fired his gun, hitting Nyah Mway in the chest during a struggle.
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams stated during a news conference that Nyah Mway received immediate first aid from the officers and was transported to Wynn Hospital, where he passed away.
The officers involved in the incident, identified as Patrick Husnay, Bryce Patterson, and Andrew Citriniti, have been placed on administrative leave with pay.
