The fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy who allegedly pointed a replica handgun during an encounter with officers Friday night in Utica, New York, is under investigation, police said.
The incident began around 10:18 p.m. when the officers who were part of the police’s Crime Prevention Unit conducted a stop of two people as part of an undisclosed police investigation, the Utica Police Department said.
During the stop, the 13-year-old, who was identified by a family member as Nyah Mway, allegedly fled from officers who chased him, according to the police. Nyah allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the officers, which prompted one of the officers to fire one shot at the teen, according to investigators.
Nyah Mway, who family members identified as the victim of a police shooting in Utica, is seen in an undated family photo.
Nyah Mway family
The boy was transported to Wynn Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds, police said. Investigators uncovered “a replica GLOCK 17 Gen 5 handgun with a detachable magazine” following the shooting, investigators said.
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams told reporters Saturday morning the replica firearm appeared to be a pellet gun.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased juvenile, as well as our officers involved in this incident,” the Utica Police Department said in a statement.
The press conference held by the chief and Mayor Michael P. Galime was disrupted multiple times by members of the public shouting at them.
The police didn’t immediately identify the victim or the officers involved. Video of the incident was posted on social media but the police department said it would not comment on the video.
Lay Htoo, Nyah’s uncle, told ABC News he saw the video and that he and his family were depressed and saddened.
“They make me feel very, very sad. You know, seeing the one [of] my nephew [killed],” Htoo told ABC News of the images.
Htoo said his family was originally from Myanmar and his nephew moved to Utica eight years ago. Nyah had recently graduated from middle school, according to Htoo.
“My nephew is a very good kid. He’s never done this before,” Htoo said.
In this screen grab taken from Google Maps Street View, the Utical Police Department headquarters is shown in Utica, New York.
Google Maps Street View
Williams said three officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave as the New York Attorney General’s Office conducts its investigation into the incident.
In addition to the AG’s probe, which is required by New York state law when an officer shoots someone, the Utica Police Department will also be conducting its own investigation into the shooting.
“Additionally, we will work closely and openly with the City of Utica Public Safety Advisory Committee. We value their mission and want to ensure through multiple facets the community is fully informed of the facts of this incident,” the police said in a statement.
Williams said police would be releasing more information and details to the public in the coming days including the body camera footage from the incident.
