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

NEW YORK — The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on July 4, 2024 after an encounter with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Queens. 

At approximately 5:23 p.m. on July 4, two NYPD officers responded to a reported assault at a residence in Queens. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man with a knife in his hand who was struggling with another man, who was wounded. The officers ordered the man to drop the knife, but he did not comply. One of the officers discharged his service weapon, striking the man. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers also found an injured 8-year-old child in the apartment. The child was rushed to a hospital, where he died from his wounds. Officers recovered two knives 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.