The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated an inquiry into the death of James Dellea, who passed away on September 11, 2024, following an encounter with members of the New York State Police (NYSP) in Saratoga Springs.
On the afternoon of September 11, NYSP troopers responded to a 911 call and followed Mr. Dellea to a parking lot on State Route 9, where he was allegedly holding a long gun. During the encounter, one of the troopers, who was off duty at the time, fired his weapon, striking Mr. Dellea. Mr. Dellea was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers recovered one long gun at the scene.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI evaluates every incident reported where a police officer or peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused a person's death by act or omission. Under this law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. The decedent may also be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates 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.