Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Monroe County

October 7, 2026

NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Haley Rodriguez, who died on October 4, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Town of Gates Police Department (GPD) in Gates, Monroe County.

At 1 a.m. on October 4, a GPD officer was driving in a marked police vehicle on Spencerport Road in Gates when the officer saw Ms. Rodriguez walking in the middle of the roadway. The officer activated the car's flashing lights, stopped, and got out of the car. Ms. Rodriguez was holding what appeared to be a handgun, and the officer asked her to put it down and talk to him. Ms. Rodriguez allegedly pointed the apparent handgun at the officer, and the officer fired his service weapon, striking her. Ms. Rodriguez was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. An imitation handgun was recovered at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not 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.