Ogdensburg police officer stable after 'unintentional' shooting; 7 officers on leave

Matt Curatolo, Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
·2 min read
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Jun. 21—OGDENSBURG — An Ogdensburg police officer is stable in a Syracuse hospital after being shot in what is being called an "unintentional discharge of a firearm" Thursday night at the police department.

In a press release Friday morning, Chief Mark T. Kearns said that during the late evening hours of Thursday, an unspecified incident occurred at the police department, 800 Park St., between two unidentified police officers.

"One officer was shot from what this office believes is an unintentional discharge of a firearm," the police chief stated.

An update on the officer's condition was not available by press time.

"The department's thoughts are with both officers involved and their families as they deal with this unfortunate and tragic event," Kearns said.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation to "ensure an impartial investigation into the matter," according to Kearns. The state Attorney General's Office has been notified of the incident.

Ogdensburg Mayor Michael J. Tooley confirmed that a total of seven police officers were placed on administrative leave until they could be interviewed by the sheriff's office. Interviews are expected to begin on Monday.

Included in the seven placed on administrative leave was the officer who discharged their firearm, according to the mayor, who added that the remaining six were potential witnesses to the incident, which took place at shift change.

"Each of the officers is a potential witness, they were at the event," Tooley said. "I'm told interviews of the officers would begin Monday and as officers are interviewed then I am told they can return to active duty."

Tooley acknowledged that the loss of eight police officers, even for a short time, could make patrol staffing tough until the officers return from administrative leave.

In his press release, Kearns said that while the incident is being investigated, city police patrols will be supplemented by other agencies and the public may see sheriff's deputies or state troopers respond in the city over the next several days.

"The Ogdensburg Police Department thanks the sheriff's office for their professionalism while conducting the investigation and assisting with shift coverage, as well as the Ogdensburg Fire Department and Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad for taking care of our members," Kearns said.