The New York Attorney General’s Office will not pursue charges against Nassau County police officers involved in a 2024 crash that killed Morgan Salomone, concluding there is insufficient evidence to support criminal prosecution.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on September 29 following an in-depth review of the incident, which took place early in the morning on November 22, 2024, in Wantagh. Investigators reviewed body-worn and security camera footage, interviewed officers, and conducted a legal analysis.
The report determined that the police vehicle was traveling at 35 mph—under the posted 40 mph limit—when it struck Salomone as she crossed Wantagh Avenue against the pedestrian signal. She was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to a local hospital.
According to OSI, criminally negligent homicide in New York requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that a person failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death, and that this failure represented a gross deviation from the standard of care. In this case, investigators found no evidence the officer was speeding, impaired, or driving recklessly.
The officers reportedly called for an ambulance immediately and attempted to provide medical aid at the scene.
While the officer involved was not impaired, OSI did note that the Portable Breath Test was administered two hours after the crash. The agency recommended that patrol officers and supervisors receive training in administering breath and field sobriety tests to ensure prompt and accurate assessments following serious collisions.
The report also suggested that officers involved in crashes resulting in death or serious injury be asked to voluntarily undergo toxicology testing to ensure accountability and transparency in future cases.
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