Liverpool, New York – A tragic incident unfolded in Liverpool, a suburb of upstate New York, as a police officer and a sheriff’s deputy lost their lives in a shootout with a man who was later killed by law enforcement. The devastating events occurred on Sunday night, claiming the lives of Lt. Michael Hoosock from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen in a residential neighborhood situated about 6 miles north of Syracuse.
The incident began when Officer Jensen attempted to pull over a car believed to be driven by Christopher Murphy, 33, but the driver refused to stop, leading to a pursuit. Authorities managed to track down Murphy to an address in Liverpool after identifying the license plate and requested assistance from the sheriff’s office.
During the confrontation, Hoosock, a 17-year veteran in law enforcement and a father of three, was ambushed while seeking cover behind a maple tree in a neighboring yard. The suspect, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, fired at officers, resulting in injuries to Jensen near his armpit, a vulnerable area unprotected by his vest.
Both officers and the suspect were rushed to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where they were pronounced dead. The tragic loss of these officers marked the first line-of-duty deaths for law enforcement in Onondaga County since 1990, underscoring the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to protecting their communities.
In response to the heartbreaking events, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed shock and grief over the senseless killings of the two officers. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh echoed the sentiments, describing the incident as a dark day for the city and expressing condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen officers.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing as officials seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the shootout. In a statement, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile emphasized the heightened risks faced by law enforcement officers in today’s environment, highlighting the unpredictable nature of their work.
As the community mourns the loss of these dedicated officers, their courageous service and sacrifice will be remembered as a solemn reminder of the dangers inherent in protecting and serving the public.