Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in New York

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian, who died on November 18, 2022, following an encounter with members of law enforcement in Inwood, Manhattan.

On the evening of November 18, members of a federal task force, including the New York City Police Department (NYPD) were present at a location on Vermilyea Avenue. Following a confrontation, NYPD officers fired their weapons and a civilian was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered two firearms 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.