Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Chautauqua County

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Mark Bemis, who died on June 18, 2025 following an encounter with members of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in Chautauqua County.

On the afternoon of June 18, CCSO deputies responded to a house in Mina after receiving a 911 call reporting a domestic incident. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Mr. Bemis, who was standing outside the house by the open garage, holding a long gun. Mr. Bemis and the deputies exchanged gunfire, and Mr. Bemis was struck and killed. Deputies recovered a shotgun 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.