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

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Taiquell Woodson, who died on February 17, 2024 following an encounter with members of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) in Bay Shore, Suffolk County. 

At approximately 9:10 a.m. on February 17, SCPD officers responded to reports of a domestic violence incident at a residence on Udall Road in Bay Shore. When the officers arrived, Mr. Woodson opened the front door holding a knife and a baton and allegedly slashed one of the officers with the knife. A second officer attempted to use his taser to subdue Mr. Woodson, and a third officer fired his service weapon. Mr. Woodson was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The officers were treated at a local hospital and have since been discharged. Officers 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.