Rochester, N.Y. - A 46-year-old man identified as Todd Novick of Rochester was shot and killed by police on Christmas Eve morning after being armed with a replica gun. Two officers involved in the incident have been placed on leave pending further investigation, according to the Rochester Police Department (RPD).

The shooting occurred after a 911 call was made around 8:30 a.m., reporting two men, one of whom was said to be carrying a firearm, walking on Murray Street towards Lyell Avenue. Body-worn camera footage of the incident was shown by RPD Chief David Smith during a press conference held at the Public Safety Building on Wednesday.

In the edited video, the first responding officer can be seen speaking with three individuals on a sidewalk. The officer explains that the police had received calls regarding their presence. Shortly after, another police car arrives at the scene. One of the three individuals, identified as the victim, moves a few feet away before starting to run.

As the victim enters the driveway of a boarded-up home, he is observed holding what appears to be a gun in his right hand. With their weapon raised, the officer commands him to stop and drop the gun. After multiple warnings, the officer fires five shots, which strike the suspect and cause him to fall to the ground. The replica firearm is later found on the driveway.

Following the shooting, emergency medical aid was provided by the police until paramedics and the Rochester Fire Department arrived. The victim, in his 40s, was transported to Strong Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Chief David Smith stated that a replica firearm was recovered from the scene during the investigation. He emphasized that, according to general orders in New York State penal law, officers are justified in using deadly force to protect themselves or others. The chief acknowledged that determining whether the gun was real or a replica was challenging until it could be processed by technicians.

As in any officer-involved shooting, multiple entities are conducting investigations into the incident. The New York State Attorney General's Office, the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, and the RPD's Major Crimes Unit are all involved. Additionally, the Rochester Police Accountability Board is conducting its own investigation.

Regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, Chief Smith expressed that many questions remain unanswered. He questioned why the victim was carrying a replica gun and whether he believed it to be real. The chief also wondered why the victim decided to run and why he chose to pull out the replica gun while in the process.

In response to the tragic event, Mayor Malik Evans issued a statement expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and acknowledging the impact on the individuals involved. He emphasized the city's cooperation with investigations conducted by the New York State Attorney General's Office and the ongoing internal investigation.

As the investigations continue, the community awaits further details and clarification surrounding the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officials in ensuring public safety.