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

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian in Syracuse who died on December 11, 2023 in a motor vehicle incident involving a member of the Syracuse Police Department (SPD).

In the early morning hours of December 11, an individual was riding an electric bike in Syracuse when he was struck by a SPD vehicle at the intersection of West Bear Street and Liberty Street. The individual was taken to a local hospital, where he was later 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.