New York City in uproar after 13-year-old boy seen ‘pinned to the ground and shot by police’ in shocking video

By Alexa Cimino for Dailymail.Com

18:34 June 29, 2024, updated 18:42 June 29, 2024

A New York city is furious after a 13-year-old boy was tackled to the ground and shot by police after allegedly brandishing a gun.

In footage circulating on social media, three cops are seen chasing the Asian man on foot as he fled after being arrested by Utica police officers around 10:18 p.m. Friday.

As the teen ran, the Utica Police Department said he displayed what appeared to be a handgun, according to an initial statement posted on Facebook.

A police officer caught up with the boy and tackled him to the ground before beating him on the lawn of a residential area.

The other two officers joined in the assault before one of them shot the boy with a gun.

Neighbors who witnessed the incident were filming on their cellphones, shouting “watch out, watch out” at the cops.

After the gunshot rang out in the neighborhood, witnesses filming the incident screamed in horror. In tears and with a broken voice, one person exclaimed, “Oh my God! Yo! He just shot her!”

The boy was rushed to Wynn Hospital where life-saving efforts were made but he died of his injuries.

A press conference held Saturday morning at City Hall addressed the situation. A large crowd of concerned citizens were present, expressing their outrage and grief.

Chief Mark Williams presented the first details of the case, facing boos and shouts from the audience.

“On June 28 at approximately 10:18 p.m., Utica Police Officers assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit stopped two males in the 900 block of Shaw Street as part of a police investigation. During the stop, one of the males fled on foot. While fleeing, the male displayed what appeared to be a handgun.”

A member of the victim’s family was reportedly present, prompting one person to ask the public to keep their thoughts to themselves out of respect.

“There are a lot of emotions in this room,” Williams said at one point. “But you ask us to be transparent, and when you yell at us, it makes it very difficult.”

Williams continued: “An officer ultimately discharged his firearm once, striking the man during a struggle on the ground. The victim is described as a 13-year-old Asian male who was given immediate first aid at the scene by officers and was subsequently transported to hospital where, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries. Police recovered a replica Glock 17 pistol with a detachable magazine. This replica gun ultimately turned out to be a pellet gun. »

Mayor Michael Galime said the incident “became tragic in moments” and promised full transparency “to ensure the community can understand how to be part of this process as each piece unfolds.”

“I cannot express, in words, that this point cannot change what has changed forever since last night. Our condolences to the families, the community and the entire city of Utica and surrounding areas for what is happening during this event,” he concluded.

The identities of the officers involved will be released “in a short period of time,” according to Chief Williams.

Once investigative protocols are followed, the unedited body camera footage will be released.

In the meantime, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, according to CNY Central.

A dual investigation is underway: the Attorney General’s Office will determine possible criminal charges, while the UPD’s Professional Standards Unit will handle administrative aspects.