The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated an investigation into the death of a civilian following an encounter with members of the Orchard Park Police Department (OPPD) in Orchard Park, Erie County. The incident occurred on August 30, 2024.
At approximately 8:55 p.m. on August 30, OPPD officers responded to a 911 call at a residence on Hawthorne Avenue in Orchard Park. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man outside who allegedly had a knife in his hand. Officers ordered the man to drop the knife, but he did not comply. The man allegedly advanced towards the officers with the knife, prompting them to discharge their service weapons, striking him. The man was transferred to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A knife was recovered at the scene.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI evaluates every incident reported where a police officer or peace officer may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. This includes both on-duty and off-duty incidents and situations where the decedent may be armed or unarmed, in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment suggests that an officer may have caused the death, it proceeds with a full investigation.
These are preliminary facts and subject to change.