Liverpool, New York – Two law enforcement officers were tragically killed in a shootout while pursuing a driver who fled a traffic stop in upstate New York. The incident unfolded in the residential neighborhood of Liverpool on Sunday evening, resulting in the deaths of Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Michael Hoosock and Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen. The shooter, identified as Christopher Murphy, was also fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
According to Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, the confrontation began when officer Jensen attempted to stop a car, but the driver evaded the stop and fled the scene, leading the officers to track the license plate to an address in Liverpool. As the officers continued their investigation, they heard suspicious sounds coming from inside a house, prompting them to take cover.
During a briefing following the tragic incident, Sheriff Toby Shelley revealed that Hoosock, a 17-year veteran with a wife and three children, was tragically ambushed while seeking cover behind a maple tree in a neighboring yard. The suspect, armed with a firearm, fired upon the officers from a back deck without warning.
Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile described the chaotic scene, noting that Murphy had informed a friend inside the house about his intentions to avoid arrest, prompting the friend to flee and seek help from authorities. Subsequently, Jensen, a relatively new officer on the force, was shot by Murphy using a high-powered rifle as he approached the front of the house.
Despite immediate medical attention, all three individuals – the Syracuse officer, the sheriff’s deputy, and the shooter – succumbed to their injuries at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. The devastating loss of two dedicated law enforcement officials sent shockwaves through the community, drawing condolences from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and local officials.
In the wake of this tragic event, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh lamented the loss, describing it as a dark day for the city. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the inherent risks faced by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty. The solemn reminder of the dangers encountered by those who serve and protect underscores the need for continued support and vigilance in ensuring their safety.