Syracuse, N.Y. — The New York Attorney General’s Office on Wednesday said it has begun looking into a man’s death after Syracuse police said he shot himself as he was being chased by officers on the city’s North Side.
The AG’s Office was directed by the state in April 2021 to begin investigating fatal incidents that involve police officers.
A full investigation into the incident has not started, said Alexis Richards, a spokesperson for the AG’s office. A preliminary assessment has begun to determine whether an investigation is warranted.
Around 7:57 p.m. Tuesday, patrolling police officers saw a man shoot at someone with a handgun in the area of Park Street and Oberst Street, Chief Joe Cecile told reporters Tuesday night.
The man, who has not been identified, was chased through Oberst Street onto Carbon Street, Cecile said. There, the man shot himself, he said.
The man, who is in his 20s, was taken to an area hospital and was pronounced dead, Cecile said.
No shots were fired by officers, the police chief said.
Four officers involved in the chase have been put on paid administrative leave, Lt. Matthew Malinowski, a Syracuse police spokesperson, said Wednesday.
They were placed on leave to make sure they are OK to return to work while the department reviews the incident, Malinowski said.
According to Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches, the man was shot in the 200 block of Carbon Street.
“He’s running. 217 Carbon,” one officer said in the dispatches, seconds before a distorted bang can be heard.
“You good?” one officer asks another.
“Yeah, he just shot himself in the head,” the officer responds.
Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950.
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