NY AG Investigates Civilian Death After Police Encounter

NY Attorney General Press Releases

Filed February 27th, 2026

Detected February 28th, 2026

Summary

New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation has opened an investigation into the death of Eslam Hegazy following an encounter with Vestal Police Department officers. The investigation is being conducted under state executive law, which mandates assessment of incidents where a police officer may have caused a civilian's death.

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What changed

The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated a formal investigation into the death of Eslam Hegazy, who died on February 25, 2026, after an encounter with Vestal Police Department officers. The incident involved officers responding to a 911 call, encountering Mr. Hegazy with a knife, deploying a Taser, and ultimately discharging their service weapons, resulting in his death. This investigation is mandated by New York Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires OSI to assess all incidents where a police or peace officer may have caused a civilian's death.

This action signifies a substantive regulatory review of law enforcement conduct. While these are preliminary facts, the OSI's involvement means a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine if the officers' actions were lawful. Regulated entities, specifically law enforcement agencies in New York, should be aware that such incidents trigger mandatory oversight. The outcome of this investigation could lead to findings of misconduct or policy violations, potentially impacting departmental practices and officer training, although no specific penalties or deadlines are mentioned in this initial announcement.

Source document (simplified)

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

February 27, 2026

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Eslam Hegazy, who died on February 25, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Vestal Police Department (VPD) in Vestal, Broome County.

On February 25, VPD officers arrived at a house in Vestal following a 911 call. The officers arrived between 11:45 a.m. and 11:49 a.m., and encountered Mr. Hegazy outside the house holding a knife. During the encounter, officers told Mr. Hegazy to drop the knife. At one point, a Taser was deployed at Mr. Hegazy. Mr. Hegazy allegedly still held the knife when two officers discharged their service weapons, striking him. Mr. Hegazy was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that day. Officers recovered a knife from 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.