The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) is looking into the events that led to the death of Justin Coleman in Brooklyn, following his encounter with NYPD officers. This probe was initiated after Coleman died on Sunday, after being shot by police. According to a press release from the Attorney General's office, the OSI is tasked with investigating all incidents where a law enforcement officer's action or inaction may have resulted in a fatality.
The series of events began early in the morning when Coleman went to the back door of the 73rd Precinct. An officer who approached Coleman was slashed with a knife before Coleman ran off. After a pursuit, Coleman reportedly confronted another officer with the knife at the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Park Place, leading to two officers discharging their firearms and striking Coleman. He later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, the injured officer, however, was treated and subsequently released.
New York State Executive Law mandates the OSI to review situations involving officers both on and off duty, and whether the deceased was armed or unarmed, engendering an environment of accountability. The announcement emphasized that these are the preliminary facts, and they are susceptible to modifications as the investigation progresses.
