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

January 26, 2026

NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Manuel Boitel, who died on January 23, 2026 following a motor vehicle incident involving an off-duty member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on January 22, 2026 on the Taconic State Parkway in Westchester County.

At approximately 11:39 p.m. on January 22, an off-duty NYPD sergeant was driving on the Taconic State Parkway near mile marker 3.7 when they struck another vehicle driven by Mr. Boitel. Mr. Boitel was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on January 23.

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.