Utica, NY – A 13-year-old boy was shot and killed by a police officer during an attempted frisking, according to a news release from the Utica Police Department. Officer Patrick Husnay fired his duty weapon at Nyah Mway after the teenager allegedly pulled out what appeared to be a handgun. The incident occurred on Friday, June 28, during a patrol in an area of the city where recent robberies had taken place.
The officers approached Mway and another 13-year-old juvenile who were in the vicinity of a previous robbery. When they attempted to conduct a citizen stop, Mway fled and pulled out the object, later identified as a replica GLOCK pellet gun. He pointed it directly at the officers, leading to Officer Husnay shooting him. Mway was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Two investigations into the fatal shooting are underway, being conducted by the NYS Attorney General’s Office and the Utica Police Department’s Professional Standards internal investigation. The three officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave. A vigil was held in Utica the day after the shooting, with hundreds of people in attendance.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Mway’s sister to raise funds for his funeral, legal expenses, and family support. Mway’s family, who migrated to the United States from Myanmar, expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, describing him as a good and outgoing kid. The incident has sparked calls for answers, as the family questions the accounts provided by law enforcement.
The Utica Police Department has released photos of the pellet gun and bodycam footage of the incident. They have also expressed their thoughts and condolences to both the officers involved and the deceased juvenile’s family. The department emphasized its commitment to transparency and hopes that the investigations will provide impartial and thorough answers to any remaining questions.