Officer Fired After Being Shot With His Own Gun

Shane Prue lost his law enforcement certification after an incident occurred in Syracuse last November.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a generic brick building facade under a cool blue light, representing institutional regulatory oversight. — New York authorities revoked officer Shane Prue’s law enforcement certification following an investigation into his conduct during an altercation in Syracuse. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Shane Prue, a 47-year-old officer, was fired from his positions at the Phoenix Police Department and Onondaga Community College in February 2026. The termination followed a November 9, 2025, incident where Prue was shot in the leg with his own firearm.

Why it matters

New York state authorities invalidated Prue's training certificate after deeming his conduct inconsistent with professional law enforcement standards. The decision highlights the strict regulatory oversight regarding officer conduct following a violent altercation.

Shane Prue faced no criminal charges for the shooting, while Yaseen Shehadeh received five years of probation following an April 2026 guilty plea. Sky Bessette faces multiple felony charges and is scheduled for trial in January 2027.

The players

Shane Prue

The 47-year-old former officer was stripped of his police certification following an off-duty shooting incident.

Sky Bessette

The 25-year-old woman faces charges of second-degree assault and robbery related to the November incident.

Yaseen Shehadeh

The 31-year-old individual pleaded guilty to weapon possession charges and received five years of probation.

Phoenix Police Department

This law enforcement agency in Oswego County terminated the officer following an internal review of the incident.

Onondaga Community College

This educational institution also terminated the officer from his employment in February 2026.

The details

Prue lost control of his service weapon during a physical struggle at McAvan's Pub in Syracuse. A woman, identified as 25-year-old Sky Bessette, allegedly seized the gun and shot the officer, leading to a broader investigation into the conduct of all parties involved.

November 9, 2025: Shane Prue was shot during an altercation outside a bar.
February 2026: Prue was terminated from both the Phoenix Police Department and Onondaga Community College.
April 2026: Yaseen Shehadeh pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a firearm.
January 2027: Sky Bessette is scheduled to stand trial for her role in the shooting.

Legal Context

The invalidation of an officer's training certificate follows the strict enforcement of New York state mandates regarding professional conduct. This reflects a broader trend of increased regulatory scrutiny and administrative accountability for law enforcement personnel across the state.

The incident at a local pub in Syracuse highlights potential public safety concerns regarding off-duty police conduct in busy social venues. Residents may see changes in how local law enforcement agencies handle oversight and personnel standards following this high-profile termination.

The takeaway

The termination of an officer for conduct deemed inconsistent with law enforcement standards underscores the importance of public and professional accountability. Maintaining strict adherence to certification requirements remains a critical safeguard for the integrity of police departments.