The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) announced on April 7 that it has opened an investigation into the death of Lucien Colon, who died following an encounter with New York City Police Department officers in the Bronx on April 2.
The investigation comes as part of OSI’s mandate to review any incident where a police or peace officer may have caused a person’s death. The inquiry aims to determine the circumstances surrounding Colon’s death and whether further action is warranted under state law.
According to preliminary information released by the Attorney General’s office, NYPD officers arrived at Colon’s apartment shortly after 7 a.m. to arrest him. Officers reported that upon entering, they encountered Colon in his bedroom, where he allegedly claimed to have a gun and raised what appeared to be a firearm at them. One officer discharged his weapon, striking Colon. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead. Officers recovered an object resembling a gun at the scene. These details are considered preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses all incidents reported where an officer may have caused someone’s death by act or omission—regardless of whether the officer was on or off duty or if the individual was armed or unarmed, in custody or not.
Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office according to its official website. The agency operates as a public law enforcement and legal advocacy organization for New York according to its official website, promoting social justice and community well-being through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website. It also protects residents’ rights, ensures public safety, upholds consumer protections, preserves environmental standards according to its official website, provides services such as fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website, and addresses local legal issues through regional offices across New York State according to its official website.
Broader implications from this case reflect ongoing scrutiny over police encounters resulting in civilian deaths. The outcome of this investigation could influence future protocols regarding law enforcement actions during arrests.
