A suspect engaged in an exchange of gunfire with a police officer and a sheriff’s deputy in upstate New York on Sunday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of both law enforcement officers. The suspect himself was also killed during the incident, according to police reports.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in Liverpool, a town located approximately 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) north of Syracuse.
During a press conference, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile revealed that the vehicle, which had previously evaded police, was being monitored by the Syracuse Police Department and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.
Two Syracuse police officers made an unsuccessful attempt to stop a suspicious vehicle. However, they managed to capture the license plate number and used it to track down the vehicle’s address on Darien Drive in Liverpool. Upon discovering that the suspect might be armed, the officers promptly requested assistance from the sheriff’s office.
Upon arriving at the residence, the officers discovered the vehicle and immediately noticed what appeared to be firearms inside it. As they approached the home, they could hear what seemed to be someone handling a firearm from within the premises.
During the incident, there was an exchange of gunfire between the officers and at least one suspect. Following the shootout, the Syracuse officer, sheriff’s deputy, and the suspect were all wounded and subsequently taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse for medical treatment.
Cecile confirmed that all three individuals were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Cecile mourned the loss of two heroes that night.
Sheriff Toby Shelly of Onondaga County stated that the police have included the search of the house in their ongoing investigation.
“This is a devastating day for Syracuse,” lamented Mayor Ben Walsh. “Our worst nightmare has become a harsh reality.”