A suspect was shot by Syracuse Police Thursday morning on the city's south side.
According to Syracuse Police, officers were called to the 100 block of Mark Avenue around 5:11 a.m. Thursday for a shots fired call.
When the first officer arrived, the officer found a man armed with a gun. The officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect one time in the jaw area, Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner said.
A handgun that police believe belongs to the suspect was found at the scene, Buckner said.
The victim, identified by police as 23-year-old Jakelle Davis, was transported to the hospital, where he remains in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. The officer was not injured.
Buckner said the officer who fired a weapon and two other officers were placed on administrative leave, in line with department protocol, while the investigation continues. The officers' names and previous records were not released. Buckner said typically the department waits at least 72 hours before identifying the officers involved, and added that the department will follow current New York state law when it comes to an officer's personnel record.
State lawmakers passed legislation that reversed a regulation, known as 50-a, that withheld an officer's prior disciplinary record. That bill has not been signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
While more than 100 Syracuse police officers have been issued body-worn cameras, none of the three officers who were present for the shooting were wearing the devices.
Investigators are canvassing the area for cameras that may be present on businesses or residences, but Buckner said it was still early in their investigation.
The shooting brought up questions surrounding the department's status when it comes to body cameras. Buckner and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said they would like to get more devices in the hands of their officers, but it is a financial issue. In all, Buckner eyes having 240 body-worn cameras.
"It's times like this that are incredibly frustrating, and we know that until officers are out there engaging in the community with a body-worn camera, there is work to do," Walsh said. "It helps to build trust and transparency."
This comes after a violent week in the city — there have been more than 15 shootings and stabbings — and against the backdrop of protests to hold police accountable across the country.
"Why it happened? I don't know, but we're still at a crossroad where an officer and an individual are at odds for whatever reason, and that's sad, even what's going on all around the world," said Rashawn Sullivan, a community activist. "Most people are just doing that, they are just reacting from a condition, reflex, and they have no program within their spirit that could inform them not to do it."
Sullivan says there needs to be avenues to learn about non-violent conflict resolution.
As protests continue, this particular incident fuels the community to ensure their message is heard.
“I’m just praying for our world and local community as this is the place where we live and do the things we need to do. I think education is a must and we just need to come together and be strong and make change,” said Syracuse resident Marquis Neal-Eure.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Syracuse Police at 315-442-5222.