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 Brendon Burns, who died on March 20, 2023, following an encounter with members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Rochester Police Department (RPD).

On the afternoon of March 20, as MSCO deputies and RPD officers were investigating two recent shootings, they spotted Mr. Burns’ car on Milburn Street and attempted to stop him. Mr. Burns fled and was pursued on foot into a backyard on Barrington Street, where he allegedly displayed a gun. After Mr. Burns allegedly refused orders to drop the gun, the officers and deputies fired their weapons. Mr. Burns was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a gun and 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.