An Albany city police officer has been placed on administrative leave following a fatal off-duty shooting in Utica.
The Utica Police Department says 34-year-old Albany Police Officer Christofer Kitto was involved in a shooting incident early Monday morning, as Kitto allegedly attempted to patronize a prostitute. Utica Police Sergeant Michael Curley tells WAMC 35-year old Shatelle Hooks of Syracuse threatened Kitto with a knife. "Based on witness interviews as well as evidence on the scene we believe that Kitto then drew a semi-automatic pistol and discharged it at Mr. Hooks several times, ultimately striking him, causing his death."
Sgt. Curley says for the time being, the incident is classified as a "justifiable homicide." Albany police say they are fully cooperating with the investigation.
