Law enforcement officers killed in gunfire ambush identified by New York officials

The suspect who ambushed the officers was shot during the gunfire and ultimately succumbed to his injuries

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The police officer and sheriff's deputy killed in a gunfire ambush in New York this week have been identified.

The deceased officers — identified as Officer Michael Jensen and Deputy Micheal Hoosock — were killed on Monday when a suspect opened fire on a group of law enforcement outside a residential home.

The incident began at about 7:07 p.m. on Sunday when Syracuse police officers spotted a "suspicious vehicle" in the area of Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street, the sheriff's office said in a news release.

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police shooting

Police set up a perimeter after two officers were shot near Syracuse, New York. (Scott Schild/The Post-Standard via AP)

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused and instead fled the area.

After checking the vehicle registration, officers determined where the owner resided in Salina. Officers, joined by Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies, responded to the address and found the vehicle parked at a residence on Darien Drive.

Shortly after their arrival, the officers and deputies were encountered by an armed man, prompting an exchange of gunfire.

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Officer Michael Jensen

Officer Michael Jensen, one of the two law enforcement officers killed in the shoot-out, was previously honored as Officer of the Month by the Syracuse Police Department for outstanding service.

Jensen and Hoosock were shot — as well as the suspect, later identified as Christopher Murphy, 33.

All three were transported to Upstate University Hospital for urgent medical care but succumbed to their injuries.

In addition to serving as a sheriff's deputy, Hoosock was also the deputy chief of Moyers Corners Fire Department.

Michael Hoosock

Sheriff's Deputy Michael Hoosock was one of the two law enforcement officers killed in the shoot-out. He also served as the deputy chief of Moyers Corners Fire Department, pictured here in his uniform. (Moyers Corners Fire Department)

"To say [Hoosock] will be missed is an extreme understatement," the fire department said in a memorial statement. "Whether it was in the service of the Fire Department, Law Enforcement, or as an EMS provider, everyone knew how dedicated he was to the community."

Jensen, previously honored by the Syracuse Police Department as Officer of the Month in December 2023, was mourned by his fellow officers.

"Officer Jensen was extremely proud to wear the Syracuse Police badge, and help serve the City in which he resided," the Syracuse Police Department wrote in a statement. "Officer Michael Jensen, you will never be forgotten."

Fox News Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report.

Timothy Nerozzi is a writer for Fox News Digital. You can follow him on Twitter @timothynerozzi and can email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Authored by Timothy Nerozzi via FoxNews April 16th 2024