Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Fulton County

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Nathan Wood, who died on September 17, 2023 following an encounter with members of the Johnstown Police Department (JPD) in Fulton County.

On the morning of September 17, JPD officers responded to a report of an assault in progress at a residence on Washington Street in Johnstown. Shortly after officers arrived, they encountered Mr. Wood, who then allegedly came at one of the officers with a hammer. The officer fired his service weapon in response. Mr. Wood was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Officers recovered two hammers 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.