A Syracuse Police Officer and an Onondaga County Sheriff’s lieutenant were shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday evening while investigating a suspicious vehicle in Salina.
Officer Michael Jensen and Lt. Michael Hoosock were among a group of law enforcement looking into the vehicle that fled from police at a traffic stop earlier Sunday.
The car was tracked down to a Darien Drive residence where a gunman opened fire killing the two policemen in an exchange of gunfire.
Authorities identified the suspect as 33-year-old Christopher R. Murphy. He also was struck and killed in the shootout.
“We lost two heroes tonight,” Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile said.
Mayor Ben Walsh described “a dark day for Syracuse” and the community’s “worst nightmare come true.”
“Our thoughts right now are with the families of those two officers, two heroes, and if anyone knows the family member of a police officer, give them a hug.”
“This is their worst nightmare and we just need to be there for everyone in the law enforcement community today.”
