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 the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) in Wantagh, Nassau County. The incident occurred on November 22, 2024.
According to reports, two NCPD officers were traveling southbound on Wantagh Avenue in a marked police vehicle when they struck a pedestrian at the intersection with Duckpond Drive North. The pedestrian was subsequently taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI evaluates every incident reported where a police officer or peace officer might have caused a person's death through action or omission. This law applies whether the officer is on-duty or off-duty and regardless of whether the deceased individual was armed or unarmed, in custody, or incarcerated. If OSI's evaluation suggests that an officer may have been responsible for the death, it conducts a thorough investigation.
The facts presented are preliminary and may be subject to change.