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

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Milagros Bonet, who died on May 4, 2023 following a motor vehicle collision on October 6, 2022 involving a member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in the Bronx. 

At 3 p.m. on October 6, 2022, NYPD officers were driving in a marked police vehicle with lights and sirens on in response to a 911 call reporting a stolen vehicle. The officers’ vehicle collided with another car at the intersection of Hoe Avenue and Westchester Avenue in the Bronx. The officer driving the police car lost control of the vehicle and collided with a group of pedestrians, including Ms. Bonet, who were standing on the sidewalk. As a result, several people sustained injuries. Ms. Bonet died seven months later, on May 4, 2023. OSI is opening an investigation into Ms. Bonet’s death following receipt of the autopsy report determining that the cause of death was injuries sustained during the collision. 

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.