New York Attorney General Letitia James released on April 7 footage from two security cameras as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Carl Slone, who died after a motor vehicle collision involving an off-duty Erie County Sheriff’s Office deputy in Buffalo.
The release of this footage is intended to increase transparency and strengthen public trust during investigations involving law enforcement actions. The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) obtained the videos, which show the incident that occurred at approximately 3:17 p.m. on January 9, when an off-duty deputy struck Mr. Slone, a pedestrian, while pulling out of a parking lot on Elmwood Avenue. Mr. Slone was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on January 10.
James said her office is committed to making camera footage available to the public during OSI investigations. “The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime,” she said.
According to the official website, the New York Attorney General promotes social justice and community well-being through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy, protects New Yorkers by ensuring public safety and defending civil rights, operates through regional offices across the state for local legal issues, provides services such as consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation, and serves as both law enforcement and legal advocacy agency for New York. Letitia James heads the office according to the official website.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported where a police officer or peace officer may have caused someone’s death by act or omission—regardless if they were on- or off-duty—and proceeds with full investigation if warranted by initial assessment.
A warning accompanied today’s video release stating that viewers may find its content disturbing.
