Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in St. Lawrence County

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Shawn Sheridan, who died on August 10, 2023 following an encounter with members of law enforcement in St. Lawrence County.

On the afternoon of August 10, as members of the New York State Police (NYSP) and St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office were searching for Mr. Sheridan, who had failed to appear in court for sentencing, they encountered him on Donnerville Road in the town of Russell. During the encounter, Mr. Sheridan allegedly fired a gun in their direction and a NYSP trooper returned fire. Mr. Sheridan was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials recovered two guns and a bandolier 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.