New York’s Office of Special Investigation has opened a formal inquiry into the death of a man shot and killed by law enforcement during a domestic dispute response in Chemung County.
The incident occurred on September 28, when New York State Police troopers and a Chemung County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers encountered Nathan Novakowski, who was allegedly threatening a woman with a pair of scissors.
According to initial reports, a trooper ordered Novakowski to drop the weapon. When he did not comply, the trooper fired their service weapon, fatally striking him. Novakowski was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman involved was treated for minor injuries, and officers recovered a pair of scissors.
State oversight triggered by law
Under Executive Law Section 70-b, the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) must assess any incident where a police or peace officer may have caused a civilian death. That assessment can lead to a full investigation, as is now the case in this incident.
The office noted that the facts remain preliminary and subject to change as the investigation proceeds.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].