In an encounter in Albany, New York a police officer identified as Officer Jonathan Damphier sustained a gunshot wound during a confrontation that ended with the suspect, 28-year-old Amiel Layeni, taking his own life.
The incident began on North Main and Western Avenues around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, with a brief car chase after Officer Damphier attempted to pull over a speeding vehicle. Although the chase was momentarily called off, the officer later encountered the same vehicle in a residential area.
According to the Albany Police Department, when Officer Damphier approached the vehicle on foot, Layeni emerged and pointed a gun at him, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Initial statements suggested that Damphier shot Layeni during the altercation. However, further investigation and autopsy results revealed that Layeni died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Chief Eric Hawkins, during a press conference, on Thursday, April 18 clarified the sequence of events and acknowledged the initial confusion surrounding the suspect’s cause of death. The police chief emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency while also noting the sensitive nature of releasing full details to the public. More than 10 shell casings were recovered at the scene, indicating the severity of the exchange.
Police have made public a portion of a recording from Officer Jonathan Damphier’s body-worn camera, unveiling an incident where he abruptly terminated a pursuit of a speeding vehicle in a residential area. Shortly after, Damphier spots the identical car and cautiously advances towards it. Unexpectedly, Layeni emerges from behind the vehicle, brandishing his gun with alarming intentions directed at the officer. Suddenly, two loud sounds reverberate through the air. In the midst of seeking shelter, the officer urgently exclaims, “Shots fired!”
The video footage only captures the initial moments of the confrontation, highlighting the instant when the officer sustained injuries, but it does not document the subsequent exchange of gunfire.
Layeni, who also sustained a graze wound from another bullet, was found to possess two illegally held 9-millimeter handguns at the scene. A subsequent search of his home revealed a “ghost gun,” escalating concerns about illegal firearm possession.
Officer Damphier, who has been with the Albany Police Department since 2021, underwent surgery at Albany Medical Center and is expected to recover fully. This incident marks the first time an Albany officer has been shot in the line of duty in nearly two decades, a fact highlighted by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan during her remarks about the gravity of the situation for local law enforcement.
The Albany Police Department is reviewing the shooting internally, and the New York State Attorney General and the Albany Community Police Review Board are conducting external investigations to ensure that all protocols were followed.
The investigations continue as the community seeks to understand the full implications of the incident.