New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released its findings on the death of Allan Hoad, who died on October 21, 2024, after an encounter with members of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Corning Police Department in Cameron, Steuben County.
The investigation included review of body-worn camera footage, drone footage, interviews with witnesses and officers, written statements from involved officers, and legal analysis. OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ actions were justified under New York law.
According to the report, deputies responded in the early morning hours to a 911 call requesting a welfare check for Mr. Hoad at a residence on Angel Road. Upon arrival, officers attempted to speak with Mr. Hoad, who fired a shotgun at them twice. This led to a standoff lasting 13 hours during which Mr. Hoad threatened police officers and others in communications with 911 operators and crisis negotiators.
At around 2 p.m., Mr. Hoad left his residence carrying a long gun and drove his truck through a field to another house on Swale Road. Officers tried again to persuade him to surrender by blocking the roadway with their vehicles. Mr. Hoad then reversed his truck toward the officers while holding what appeared to be a handgun and crashed into a patrol car. Officers discharged their weapons as he drove at them and exited his vehicle, striking him. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A shotgun and three imitation pistols were recovered from his truck.
Under New York law, police are permitted to use deadly physical force if they reasonably believe it is necessary for defense against deadly physical force by another person.
“In this case, officers responded to a welfare call and were fired upon, then repeatedly attempted to engage Mr. Hoad as he threatened to kill them and others before he eventually drove his vehicle toward officers while pointing a gun at them,” according to the OSI report. “Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Mr. Hoad was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.”
