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The Syracuse Police Department Chief, Joseph Cecile, has provided more information regarding a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday (May 13) in Syracuse. Officers responded to a shots-fired call at an apartment building on North Townsend Street, where they encountered 42-year-old Donnell Hogan, who was in a wheelchair and armed with a handgun. Hogan allegedly fired at the officers, prompting an officer to return fire, resulting in Hogan's death.
According to CNY Central, Chief Cecile stated that the officers quickly devised a plan upon arrival and followed department policy, which allows officers to fire if a suspect raises a gun toward them. A handgun was recovered from the scene. The officers involved will now undergo a "walk through" to provide statements for the investigation.
The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the incident, as required by New York State Executive Law Section 70-b. The OSI will assess whether the officer's actions were justified and if any wrongdoing occurred. The Attorney General's Office confirmed that Hogan was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
As reported by Syracuse.com, the Syracuse Police Department has expressed its commitment to cooperating with the investigation. The department has refrained from further comments to respect the ongoing process. Joe Moran, president of the Syracuse Police Benevolent Association, praised the officers' actions, stating, "The heroic actions displayed by our members every day never cease to amaze me."