by Derek Scarlino/Love and Rage

UTICA, N.Y. – Reports of an officer-involved shooting following a foot chase in East Utica that began on South Street and ended in a parking lot near Lansing Street and Belmont Ave came in at 8:15 this evening.

Authorities at the scene did confirm that shots had been fired and the suspect, who was fleeing a prior incident on South Street, was down. Additionally, officers report that the suspect had pointed something at them.

The suspect was taken to St. Elizabeth’s in South Utica.

UPDATE

The suspect was believed to be involved in the shooting incident of another person on the 700 block of South Street.

Witnesses pointed the alleged shooter out to the police and he fled with two officers giving chase. Officers say that the suspect flashed a handgun at them several times before they fired.

Police Chief Mark Williams, while not disclosing the suspect’s identity, did reveal that the man was being treated at the St. Elizabeth’s Campus of the Mohawk Valley Health System for non-life threatening gunshot wounds to both his torso and hand.

The UPD is confidant that their officer acted within the bounds of proper procedure. There will be an internal investigation into the shooting, and the officer, as per department policy, will be placed on paid administration leave.

We will keep updating details as they emerge.