Two law enforcement officers were shot and killed in the line of duty in Syracuse, New York in the Salina area on Sunday, authorities say.
According to a Facebook post from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Syracuse police officers encountered a suspicious vehicle in the area of Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street around 7 p.m. Sunday. Police attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver refused to stop and fled the area, police said.
The officers lost sight of the vehicle but were able to record the vehicle’s license plate. Upon checking the vehicle’s registration information, the officers determined that the registered owner resides on Darien Drive in Liverpool, New York, police said.
Syracuse Police, along with members of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, went to the address and found the vehicle. Shortly after arrival, the police officers and sheriff’s deputies “were encountered by an armed male and an exchange of gunfire followed,” according to the news release.
One Syracuse police officer and one Onondaga County sheriff’s deputy were struck by gunfire and the suspect was also shot. Both law enforcement officers were transported to Upstate University Hospital, where they later died. The suspect was transported to the same hospital and also died.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, as well as with their brothers and sisters in law enforcement who are suffering in the wake of this tragedy,” the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office said in the Facebook post.
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NYPD officer shot, killed during traffic stop in Queens
The incident comes nearly a month after an NYPD officer was shot and killed in the line of duty in Queens.
The officer, identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Diller, was shot in the torso underneath his bullet-resistant vest during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway. Diller was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he later died.
Police said two suspects were taken into custody and that the driver of the car has 14 prior arrests, while the passenger, who was also the shooter, has four prior arrests.
According to police, Diller and his partner conducted the traffic stop at 1919 Mott. Ave., around 5:48 p.m. Monday. As they approached the vehicle, one of the suspects displayed a gun and pointed it at the officers. Shots were fired and Diller’s partner returned fire at the armed suspect, striking him.
“He was given a lawful order numerous times to step out of the car. He refused. When the officer took him out of the car, instead of stepping out of the car, he shot our officer,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at a news conference last month.
The NYPD said Diller made more than 70 arrests during his time on the force. Diller leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, and their child.
Contributing: Democrat and Chronicle staff, USA TODAY Network
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
