Schenectady police release update on officer-involved shooting on Strong Street

A 16-year-old girl armed with a knife charged at Schenectady officers before a shot was fired and a taser deployed, police said.
Schenectady police release update on officer-involved shooting on Strong Street
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SCHENECTADY, NY — Schenectady Police are continuing to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday evening during a response to a reported altercation involving a 16-year-old girl armed with a knife.

At approximately 7:21 p.m. on May 14, officers were dispatched to 1007 Strong Street where they observed a female on the front porch holding a large knife. Police attempted to de-escalate the situation and called in negotiators to assist.

According to officials, about 50 minutes after police arrived, the teenager ran toward officers with the knife in hand. At that point, Officer Sophia Olson discharged one round. Olson joined the Schenectady Police Department in June 2024.

The teenager was not struck by the gunfire. Officers deployed a taser during the arrest and successfully took her into custody.

Teen sustained self-inflicted injuries

Police said the girl was transported to a local hospital for treatment of self-inflicted, non-life-threatening injuries to her arm. No other individuals were injured in the incident.

The case remains under investigation by the department’s Detective Division, Youth Aid Bureau, and Office of Professional Standards. Authorities have not announced any charges or disciplinary actions.