A suspect was killed during a shootout with officers.
A sheriff's deputy and a police officer were killed in a shooting while investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle in Salina, New York, officials confirmed.
The fallen officers, later identified as Syracuse Police Department Officer Michael Jensen and Lt. Michael Housak of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, were part of a group of investigators who spotted the vehicle allegedly fleeing officers during a traffic stop hours earlier. custody Investigators tracked the car to a residence on Darien Drive.
As they entered the address, one of the suspects opened fire, leading to a gun battle between the officers and the suspect.
Christopher R. Police say the suspect, identified as Murphy, 33, was beaten to death.
Jensen and Hoosak were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead, police said.
“We lost two heroes tonight,” Syracuse Police Chief Joe Sicily said at an early morning news conference.
The incident was sparked after Syracuse police officers attempted an evening traffic stop after authorities said the vehicle had been stolen early Monday morning. When the vehicle — described by police as suspicious later in the day — did not stop, officers obtained the license plate number and went to the corresponding location, officials said.
“It's a dark day for Syracuse. It's our worst nightmare come true,” Mayor Ben Walsh said at a news conference. “Our thoughts are with the families of those two officers right now, two heroes, if anyone knows a family member of a police officer, give them a hug. This is their worst nightmare and we should all be in the law enforcement community today.”
The investigation is ongoing and police are still examining body-worn cameras, ballistics and other evidence, officials said at an afternoon news conference.
The New York State Attorney General's Office will also assist in the investigation.
Jensen, who lives with his parents and sister, has been with the police department for more than two years, Cecile told reporters.
Hoosak, a married father of three, joined the Ontaga County Sheriff's Office in 2007 and has received several commendations and medals for his service, including a Medal of Valor in 2020, according to Sheriff Toby Shelley.
He also served as a volunteer firefighter, said Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County executive.
“This is an incredible man,” McMahon said at a news conference. “As the mayor and sheriff and Chief Cecil point out, right now our community is in shock and we're in pain.”
ABC News' Megan Wordell and Darren Reynolds contributed to this report.
