Syracuse Police and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department are both grieving the loss of two officers after a shootout with a suspect in a Salina neighborhood. In a joint press release from SPD and the sheriff's office, shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday night, city officers attempted to pull over a suspicious vehicle in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood. The driver sped off, but officers recorded the vehicle’s license plate and tracked down the suspect and vehicle to a residence on Darien Drive in Liverpool.
It was there that authorities say officers were confronted by an armed suspect who shot and killed a city police officer and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy. The officers died at Upstate University Hospital after life-saving measures were attempted. The suspect was also pronounced dead at the hospital.
Officials have not yet publicly identified the deceased law enforcement officers or the suspect. We will update this story when that information becomes available.
The investigation remains active. Late Monday morning, numerous law enforcement vehicles could be seen on Darien Drive. Crime scene tape could still be seen along the streets approaching the scene.
Meanwhile, elected officials are expressing their grief and sorrow. In a release, Salina Town Supervisor Nick Paro says the community is grieving with the families of the slain officers.
"I am so terribly sorry for your loss," Paro said. "We are all thankful for your sacrifice and commitment to the line of duty. Most of us will never truly know the pain you are going through and your families will remain in our prayers. We are thankful for the dedicated service of the fallen officers and are keeping both SPD and OCSO in our prayers as well.”
Paro thanked all of the officers and emergency personnel who responded to the scene.
Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli released a statement saying the loss is devastating to the community.
"We mourn these law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty and hope to honor their heroism and service. My prayers are with their families and their colleagues,” Magnarelli said.
Anyone with information may call city police at (315) 442-5222 or the county sheriff’s office at (315) 435-3081.
