The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated an investigation into the death of Albert Melendez, Jr., who died on July 16, 2024, following an encounter with members of the New York State Police (NYSP) in Sullivan County.
At approximately 2:23 a.m. on July 16, NYSP troopers were pursuing Mr. Melendez, Jr., who was driving his vehicle on Rock Hill Drive in Thompson, Sullivan County. At the intersection of Rock Hill Drive and Emerald Place, Mr. Melendez, Jr. stopped his vehicle. One trooper exited his patrol vehicle and approached Mr. Melendez, Jr. During the ensuing encounter, the trooper discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Melendez, Jr. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the encounter and was also transported to a local hospital for treatment before being released.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or peace officer may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under this law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty and the decedent may be armed or unarmed and either in custody or not incarcerated at all times during such incidents.
If OSI’s assessment indicates that an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
These are preliminary facts and subject to change.