SYRACUSE, NY – A routine check on a suspicious vehicle turned tragic on Sunday evening around 7:07 PM, when Syracuse Police Officers and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputies were engaged in a fatal exchange of gunfire in Liverpool, New York.
The incident began when Syracuse Police attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle at the intersection of Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street. The driver evaded the police, who later tracked the vehicle to a residence on Darien Drive, based on the license plate information. The vehicle’s registered owner was identified as residing at this address.
“While they were inspecting the vehicle and saw what appeared to be guns inside,” the Chief explained, “they heard what sounded like someone manipulating a firearm from inside the residence. Moments later, there was an exchange of gunfire between at least one suspect and the officers and deputies.”
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement was confronted by an armed male, leading to an exchange of gunfire. One Syracuse Police Officer and one Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy were struck and critically injured. Both officers were transported to Upstate University Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The suspect was also shot during the incident and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The community and the law enforcement fraternity are mourning the loss of the two officers, extending thoughts and prayers to their families during this difficult time.