Utica, New York – A tragic incident unfolded in Utica, New York, where a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by a police officer after pointing a replica handgun at law enforcement. The incident occurred late on a Friday night after officers stopped two youths in connection with an armed robbery investigation.
The body camera video released by the police showed a tense encounter as one of the teens, identified as Nyah Mway, ran from the officers and pointed the replica handgun at them. Despite the officers’ belief that it was a real handgun, it was later revealed to be a replica of a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine.
Amid a ground struggle, one of the officers fired a single shot that struck the boy in the chest. Despite immediate first aid efforts, the boy succumbed to his injuries at Wynn Hospital. The replica gun carried by the teen closely resembled a real firearm, with realistic features such as GLOCK markings and a detachable magazine.
Following the incident, the officer who fired the fatal shot, identified as Patrick Husnay, along with two other officers, were placed on administrative leave with pay. The body camera footage captured a chaotic scene as Nyah Mway ran from the officers, leading to a violent confrontation that ultimately resulted in the tragic shooting.
The community in Utica, with a significant population of refugees from Myanmar, was deeply affected by the shooting. The victim, Nyah Mway, was identified as a refugee born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority, a group involved in conflict with the military rulers in Myanmar.
Amid a public outcry, the Utica Police Department released the body camera videos to provide transparency and accountability. The incident has sparked internal investigations to assess whether the officers followed proper protocols and training. Additionally, the state attorney general will conduct a separate investigation to determine the justification of the shooting.
In a statement, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, acknowledging the tragic and traumatic nature of the incident. The shooting has raised significant concerns within the community and beyond, prompting calls for accountability and justice in the handling of such cases involving law enforcement.