New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation has opened a probe into the fatal shooting of a man by Rochester police officers on July 31 in Monroe County.
According to preliminary information released Monday, the incident began around 7:37 p.m. when Rochester Police Department officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a man looking into homes and cars on Ernestine Street. Officers encountered the man, identified as Akintunde Campbell, on the sidewalk.
A brief struggle reportedly occurred before Campbell walked away and allegedly displayed a black handgun. Police say they ordered him to drop the weapon, but he did not comply. Officers then discharged their service weapons, striking Campbell. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and a handgun was recovered nearby.
Under New York Executive Law Section 70-b, the Office of Special Investigation is required to investigate any incident in which a police or peace officer may have caused a civilian’s death. That applies whether the individual is armed or unarmed, in custody or not, and whether the officer is on or off duty.
The Attorney General’s office emphasized that all facts are preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues.
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