Attorney General's Office of Special Investigations Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Queens

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Zabina Gafoor, who died on February 17, 2023, in a motor vehicle incident involving members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

On the evening of February 17, Ms. Gafoor was standing at a crosswalk in the vicinity of Beach Channel Drive and Bay 32nd Street in Queens, when she was struck by an NYPD vehicle. Ms. Gafoor was taken to a local hospital, where she 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 caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.