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

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of an individual who died on October 13, 2023 following an encounter with members of the Troy Police Department (TPD).

On the afternoon of October 13, two TPD officers responded to a report of trespassing at a residence in Lansingburgh, Rensselaer County. When officers arrived, they encountered an individual leaving the residence through a window, which prompted them to place him in handcuffs. The individual then started experiencing medical distress, and the officers rendered first aid until EMS arrived. The individual was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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.