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 August 5, 2023 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on August 4, 2023.
On the evening of August 4, NYPD officers responded to reports of a violent, emotionally disturbed person at a residence located at 540 Main Street on Roosevelt Island. When officers arrived, they allegedly encountered an individual holding a knife in the lobby of the building. During the encounter, the individual allegedly advanced towards the officers with the knife, and two officers fired their weapons in response. The individual was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officials recovered 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 may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
These are preliminary facts and subject to change.