New York Attorney General Letitia James has released police body-worn camera footage obtained as part of the investigation into the death of Taiquell Woodson. Mr. Woodson died on February 17, 2024, following an encounter with members of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) in Bay Shore, Suffolk County.
On the morning of February 17, SCPD officers responded to reports of an incident at a residence on Udall Road in Bay Shore. Upon arrival, Mr. Woodson opened the front door holding a knife and a baton and slashed one officer with the knife. A second officer attempted to use his taser on Mr. Woodson, and a third officer fired his service weapon, striking Mr. Woodson. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a knife and baton at the scene.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) within the Attorney General’s Office released videos from body-worn cameras used by SCPD officers during the incident. This release follows Attorney General James’ directive that such footage be made public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust.
According to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every reported incident where a police or peace officer may have caused someone's death through an act or omission. This applies whether the officer is on-duty or off-duty and regardless of whether the decedent is armed or unarmed, in custody or not incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment suggests an officer may have caused the death, it conducts a full investigation.
The release of this footage does not indicate any opinion regarding guilt or innocence in any criminal matter nor does it suggest how or whether any individual might be charged with a crime.
Warning: The video contains content that viewers may find disturbing.