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

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Carson Dobson, who died on December 24, 2021, following an encounter with members of the New York State Police (NYSP) and the Village of Dolgeville Police Department. 

On the afternoon of December 24, members of the NYSP and Dolgeville Police Department responded to the residence of Mr. Dobson’s mother, who allegedly had been assaulted by her son. Officers then encountered Mr. Dobson a short distance away, and he appeared to be holding a sword and a knife. At some point, an officer fired at Mr. Dobson, and he was later pronounced dead. Officers recovered a sword and a knife at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.