Attorney General James’ 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 Henry Sanders, who died on August 1, 2024, following an encounter with members of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) in Suffolk County.

At approximately 10:22 a.m. on August 1, SCPD officers responded to a store on North 15th Street and Merritt Avenue in Wyandanch, Suffolk County, following multiple 911 calls. Upon arrival, SCPD officers encountered Mr. Sanders and took him into custody. Mr. Sanders appeared to become unresponsive, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he 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 may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

OSI has been conducting a preliminary assessment of this matter since Mr. Sanders’ death on August 1, 2024. The recent receipt of new information indicated that it was appropriate for OSI to open a formal investigation.  

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.