UPDATE: Seven officers on leave after Ogdensburg police officer shot another officer at station; chief says it appears accidental

BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- A total of seven officers have been placed on leave after a city police officer shot another officer at the station June 20.

The incident left one officer hospitalized and is being investigated by St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputies.

 Mayor Michael Tooley said all officers present at the time of the shooting are on leave due to protocol.

He said once interviews with the sheriff are complete, they will be cleared to return.

However, Tooley said he was uncertain if the officer who shot the other officer would be cleared following an interview.

St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the shooting, but no charges have been issued nor names released publicly at this time.

It’s also unclear if any officers are facing potential disciplinary action.

Ogdensburg police say the shooting is believed to be an unintentional discharge of a firearm.

“Appropriate actions have been taken to ensure an impartial investigation into the matter. The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting the investigation and the New York State Attorney General has been notified and advised of the situation,” a statement from Police Chief Mark Kearns said.

“The officer who was shot is in stable condition and is in a Syracuse area hospital. The department’s thoughts are with both officers involved and their families as they deal with this unfortunate and tragic event,” the statement said.

The release from the department notes that while the matter is under investigation, Ogdensburg Police patrols will be supplemented by other agencies.

"The public should expect the possibility of a Sheriff or State Police patrol response in the city limits over the next several days,” the chief said.

“The Ogdensburg Police Department thanks the Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism while conducting this investigation and assisting with shift coverage, as well as the Ogdensburg Fire Department and Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad for taking care of our members,” Kearns said.

Further inquiries regarding the incident were directed to St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

North Country This Week will provide additional information once it’s provided.