The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) recently wrapped up its investigation into the death of Christopher Ferguson, who was fatally shot by NYPD officers last December. The incident unfolded in Brooklyn when officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation, a system used to detect gunshots, and attempted to pull over a car matching the description given by a witness to the shooting. The car, driven by a woman with her three-year-old son and Ferguson as a front passenger, led to a confrontation with police after a brief chase, ending in tragedy.
According to a press release from the Attorney General’s Office, OSI has concluded that the prosecutor would likely not “be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial” that the officers’ use of deadly force was legally justified. Upon attempting to pull the vehicle over, the driver did not stop, leading to a high-speed pursuit. This chase came to an end when the vehicle got stuck in traffic. Officers, then approaching the car on foot, were confronted by Ferguson pointing a firearm at them, prompting two officers to open fire.
The child present during the incident was unharmed, but the driver faced multiple charges including Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, as she put the life of her young child at risk. Footage recorded by body-worn and dashboard cameras captured the critical moments of the encounter, providing evidence that has been crucial in the investigation’s findings. In the wake of the shooting, the necessity of these devices in modern law enforcement has been underscored, highlighting their role in ensuring transparency and accountability…