The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has launched an inquiry into the death of Emilson Joan Ordoñez-Banegas. The incident occurred on July 13, 2025, in Centereach, Suffolk County, following an encounter with members of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD).
According to reports, SCPD officers responded to a 911 call shortly after 8:30 a.m. regarding an assault involving a knife behind retail stores in Centereach. Upon arrival, officers found an individual with lacerations to his hand and neck. While emergency medical technicians provided aid to the injured person, Mr. Ordoñez-Banegas allegedly approached him with what appeared to be a knife. An officer discharged his service weapon, hitting Mr. Ordoñez-Banegas. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A knife was recovered at the scene.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews every incident reported where a police or peace officer may have caused a person’s death through action or inaction. This applies whether the officer is on-duty or off-duty and regardless of whether the decedent is armed or unarmed or in custody.
The facts presented are preliminary and may change as the investigation proceeds.
