The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation has opened an investigation into the death of Andre Joseph Mayfield, who died on May 26, 2024 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn.
At approximately 2:20am on May 26, two NYPD officers were in a marked patrol vehicle at the intersection of Central Avenue and Eldert Street in Bushwick after responding to a previous unrelated call, according to a news release from the New York Attorney General's office.
When the officers exited the patrol vehicle, they encountered Mayfield, who was standing near the patrol vehicle and holding a knife. The officers deployed a taser, which caused Mayfield to fall. Mayfield stood up and approached the officers with the knife. The officers discharged their firearms, striking Mayfield. Mayfield was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Officers recovered two knives at the scene, the news release said.
Pursuant to state law, the 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.
Family members of Mayfield told CBS 2 New York that Mayfield had suffered from depression and mental illness in the past and that there should have been a social worker there to help de-escalate the situation.
