Cheektowaga police were expected to release more details today involving Saturday night's fatal shooting of a Java, NY man by a Cheektowaga police officer outside a hotel near the airport.
A police official said Sunday that the officer had to use deadly force in order to defend himself.
The incident occurred at around 11 p.m., shortly after state police in Wyoming County alerted local law enforcers that a suspect might be in the Cheektowaga area. An officer responded to the Best Western Hotel at 4630 Genesee Street. Assistant Chief Jim Speyer said a confrontation ensued.
"The suspect was a 34-year-old white male from Wyoming County who had stolen a gun," Speyer said. "The state police were attempting to locate him. So, they notified us."
The man was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital where he died a short time later.
The on-duty officer is a 16-year veteran who has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is departmental policy following such incidents.
"This is an obvious tragedy to all involved," Speyer told reporters at a Sunday briefing in Cheektowaga Police Headquarters.
The district attorney is investigating the case, Speyer said. He added that most town police cars have dash cams. If there is video of the incident, Speyer said it will be carefully reviewed.
Police might release the identities of the deceased and the officer at a briefing today. The district attorney is investigating the case.