Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation Into Civilian Death in Rochester

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Dedrick James, who died on September 15, 2021, following an encounter with law enforcement in Rochester.

New York State Executive Law Section 70-b mandated the establishment of OSI within the Office of the New York State Attorney General, effective April 1, 2021. This law represents the codification and expansion of the role previously performed by the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit (SIPU) since Executive Order 147 became effective in July 2015.

On the morning of September 15, 2021, members of the Multi-Agency Fugitive Task Force, including the Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and United States Marshals Service, responded to 6 Vinewood Place in the city of Rochester to serve an arrest warrant for Dedrick James. Another individual answered the door, and after law enforcement entered the home, Mr. James allegedly fled to a bathroom. Once officers entered the bathroom, Mr. James allegedly displayed a firearm, and a brief struggle ensued while officers attempted to disarm him. During that encounter, the firearm allegedly in Mr. James’ possession discharged and one bullet entered his chest. Mr. James died as a result of that single gunshot wound.