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

June 17, 2026

NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Hilton Spokony, who died on June 12, 2026 following a motor vehicle incident involving an off-duty Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) officer in Patchogue, Suffolk County.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on June 12, Mr. Spokony was a passenger in a car that turned left across Waverly Avenue onto Buckley Road in Patchogue when it was struck by an off-duty SCPD officer driving in their personal vehicle. The off-duty officer and the driver of the vehicle Mr. Spokony was in were transported to a local hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Spokony was also transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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.