Syracuse, NY – A tragic incident unfolded in Liverpool, New York, where two Syracuse police officers encountered a suspicious vehicle. Despite their attempts to stop the vehicle, the officers managed to track it back to an address on Darien Drive in Liverpool. Concerned that the driver may be armed, they called for assistance from the sheriff’s office.
Upon arriving at the residence, the officers observed what appeared to be firearms inside the vehicle and heard what sounded like someone handling a firearm within the house. A fatal exchange of gunfire followed, resulting in the deaths of the Syracuse officer, a sheriff’s deputy, and the suspect. All three were rushed to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where they were pronounced dead.
The tragic loss of the two officers was felt deeply by the community, with officials expressing their shock and condolences. Governor Kathy Hochul lamented the senseless killings and offered her prayers to the families and colleagues of the fallen officers. The incident marked the first time law enforcement officers had been killed in the line of duty in Onondaga County since 1990.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh described the event as a “dark day for Syracuse,” while Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley remembered the deputy as a “great guy” who had served the department well for years. As investigations continued into the shooting, authorities planned to conduct a thorough search of the premises for further evidence.
The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty. The community mourns the loss of these brave individuals and honors their service and sacrifice.