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

August 24, 2026

NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian, who died on August 23, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) in Elbridge, Onondaga County.

Shortly before 6 p.m. on August 23, OCSO deputies arrived at the Rolling Hills Mobile Home Park in Elbridge in response to a 911 call reporting that someone fired a gun at a parked car. Upon arrival, the deputies attempted to speak to a man who was in a mobile home. Around 11:30 p.m., deputies broke a window and used a drone to see inside the mobile home. The man raised a long gun and pointed it at the deputies. One deputy fired his service weapon, striking the man. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a long gun 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.