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

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Malik Williams, who died on July 9, 2022, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

On the evening of July 9, members of NYPD pulled over a car during an alleged traffic stop in which Mr. Williams was a passenger on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The officers directed the occupants to get out of the car and Mr. Williams fled. An officer pursued him on foot. During the pursuit, Mr. Williams allegedly fired a gun at the officer and the officer fired back. Mr. Williams was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a gun 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.