New York Attorney General Letitia James released on April 7 footage from two security cameras as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Carl Slone, who died after a motor vehicle collision involving an off-duty Erie County Sheriff’s Office deputy in Buffalo.
The release of this footage is intended to promote transparency and strengthen public trust during investigations into incidents where law enforcement may be involved in a civilian’s death. The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) obtained the videos, which captured the incident that occurred around 3:17 p.m. on January 9, when an off-duty deputy struck Mr. Slone, a pedestrian, while pulling out of a parking lot on Elmwood Avenue. Mr. Slone was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead shortly after midnight on January 10.
According to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews every incident reported where a police or peace officer may have caused someone’s death by act or omission. This includes cases whether the officer is on- or off-duty and regardless of whether the person who died was armed or unarmed, in custody or not.
James said her office would continue its practice to release camera footage obtained during OSI investigations to increase openness with the public. “The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime,” she said.
The New York Attorney General promotes social justice and community well-being through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website. The office also protects New Yorkers by ensuring public safety, defending civil rights, upholding consumer protections and preserving the environment according to its official website. Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General according to its official website.
Regional offices across New York address local legal issues according to its official website, providing services such as consumer fraud investigations, charities oversight and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website. The agency operates as both law enforcement and legal advocate for residents statewide according to its official website.
A warning accompanied today’s video release noting that “these videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing.”
