The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation announced on April 2 that it has opened an investigation into the death of Victor Craighead, who died following an encounter with New York State Police in Diana, Lewis County.
The case is being reviewed under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) to assess incidents where a police or peace officer may have caused a person’s death. The law applies regardless of whether the officer was on or off duty and whether the individual was armed or unarmed.
According to preliminary information released by the Attorney General’s office, troopers responded to a mobile home on Alpine Road in Diana after receiving a 911 call during the evening of March 27. In the early hours of March 28, Mr. Craighead reportedly exited the mobile home armed with a long gun and fired at troopers positioned in an armored vehicle. One trooper then discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Craighead, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a long gun from the area.
“These are preliminary facts and subject to change,” said officials from the Attorney General’s office.
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 by ensuring public safety, defending civil rights, upholding consumer protections, preserving the environment according to its official website, providing services such as consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website, and addressing local legal issues through regional offices across New York state according to its official website.
The investigation into Mr. Craighead’s death is ongoing as OSI continues gathering evidence.
