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

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Wei Chan, who died on August 16, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Manhattan.

On August 16, NYPD officers responded to a building on Ludlow Street in Manhattan following a 911 call reporting an assault. As officers began walking up the staircase, they encountered Mr. Chan, who was allegedly holding a cleaver and coming down the staircase toward officers. The officers told Mr. Chan to drop the cleaver, but he failed to comply, and officers discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Chan. Mr. Chan was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a cleaver 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.