Authorities claim the 13-year-old boy killed by New York police had an imitation gun.

Police revealed bodycam footage showing a teenager pointing towards policemen. They believed he was clutching a gun, but later discovered it was a replica. 

Police in New York state shot and killed a 13-year-old boy after he fled with a replica weapon, according to authorities.

 Officers stopped Nyah Mway and another 13-year-old on Friday night because their descriptions matched those of individuals wanted in recent robberies in Utica, according to police. 

As the cops questioned the lads, Nyah Mway fled on foot, resulting in a chase. Utica Police Chief Mark Williams stated that officers discovered what "appeared to be a handgun".

One cop then wrestled the youngster to the ground. "During a ground struggle," another officer fired a single shot, striking the adolescent in the chest, according to the police chief. 

He received first aid on the spot but later died at Wynn Hospital. 

On Saturday night, police released several minutes of body camera footage captured by all officers. 

It came shortly after angry members of the local community heckled the Utica police chief during a press conference attended by the boy's family. 

Utica Mayor Michael Galime urged calm, stating, "We understand the gravity of the situation and want to ensure that every single piece of it is understood."

The clip appears to show the adolescent pointing what authorities believe is a replica weapon while fleeing. The officers can be heard shouting "gun!" at each other.

 The policemen thought they had spotted a real pistol, but it was later discovered to be a duplicate of a Glock 17 weapon that could only shoot pellets or BBs.

Police shared an image of a replica firearm discovered at the site. 

The three police were on patrol in West Utica, aiding with two recent robbery investigations. 

In one of the incidents on June 27, two individuals armed with a black pistol demanded and stole things from the victims. The suspects were described as an Asian male and a dark-skinned male, with one walking and the other riding a bicycle. 

At around 22:00 local time, authorities say they stopped Nyah Mway and the other youngster based on these "identifying factors".

The cops involved have been identified as Patrick Husnay, who fired the fatal shot, Bryce Patterson, and Andrew Citriniti. 

They have been placed on administrative leave. The shooting is being investigated by both the New York Attorney General's Office and Utica Police.