New York Police Fatally Shoot 13-Year-Old Boy Carrying Replica Gun
On Friday night, Utica police officers confronted Nyah Mway and another 13-year-old boy, suspecting them of involvement in recent robberies. As officers questioned the pair, Nyah fled, prompting a foot chase. During the pursuit, officers spotted what they believed to be a handgun.
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams explained that during a struggle on the ground, one officer fired a single shot, striking Nyah in the chest. Despite receiving first aid at the scene, Nyah later died at Wynn Hospital.
In response to community outrage, police released body camera footage from all officers involved. The footage, showing the boy appearing to point what was later determined to be a replica Glock 17, was intended to provide transparency. During a press conference, attended by Nyah’s family, tensions ran high as local residents expressed their anger.
Utica Mayor Michael Galime urged the community to remain calm, emphasizing the importance of understanding every aspect of the incident. The video shows officers shouting “gun!” as they pursued the boy, believing the weapon to be real. The replica gun, recovered from the scene, could only fire pellets or BBs.
The officers involved, identified as Patrick Husnay (who fired the fatal shot), Bryce Patterson, and Andrew Citriniti, have been placed on administrative leave. They were patrolling West Utica, aiding in robbery investigations, when they encountered the teenagers. In one recent robbery on June 27, suspects described as an Asian male and a dark-skinned male, one on foot and one on a bicycle, had used a black firearm to steal from victims.
The incident is currently under investigation by both the New York Attorney General’s Office and the Utica police.
