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

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Jason Pass, who died on November 1, 2023 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

On the morning of November 1, NYPD officers engaged in an active criminal investigation allegedly encountered Mr. Pass, who was sitting in a car that was pulled over next to the sidewalk on Bay 44th Street in Brooklyn. After a brief exchange, Mr. Pass allegedly left the car and ran away. The officers followed, and when they caught up with Mr. Pass, they spoke with him for about half an hour in an attempt to deescalate the situation. Mr. Pass then allegedly charged at the officers with a knife, and they fired in response. Mr. Pass was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. NYPD 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.