The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) announced on March 9 that it has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian following an encounter with Buffalo Police Department officers in Erie County.
The investigation follows an incident on March 5, when Buffalo police responded to a 911 call at a residence on Minnesota Street. According to the Attorney General’s office, officers entered a bedroom and encountered a man allegedly holding a knife in each hand. The man reportedly ran toward an officer while holding the knives and did not comply with commands to drop them. Officers deployed a Taser, but the man continued to hold the knives, leading one officer to discharge their service weapon and strike him. The individual was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Two knives were recovered from the scene.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews all incidents where law enforcement may have caused a person’s death by action or omission. This applies whether or not the officer is on duty and regardless of whether the person is armed or unarmed, in custody, or incarcerated. If OSI determines there is cause for further review, it conducts a full investigation into the incident.
The New York Attorney General operates as a public law enforcement and legal advocacy agency for New York according to its official website. The office promotes social justice and community well-being through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website. It also protects New Yorkers by ensuring public safety, defending civil rights, upholding consumer protections, and preserving the environment according to its official website.
Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office according to its official website. The agency provides services such as consumer fraud investigations, charities oversight, and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website, operating through regional offices across the state to address local legal issues according to its official website.
Officials noted that these are preliminary facts and subject to change as the investigation continues.
