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The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation is examining a fatal police shooting in Poughkeepsie involving 36-year-old Bryan Czornyj. The incident occurred on Thursday (June 5) when police responded to a 911 call about an assault with a sword at a residence on Fair Oaks Drive.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Czornyj and another man, both holding a samurai sword. Czornyj held the sword by the handle, while the older man, who appeared injured, held it by the blade. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, neither man complied. An officer then discharged his weapon, striking Czornyj, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The older man was treated and released the same night.
The Attorney General's Office is tasked with assessing incidents where police action may have resulted in a death. This investigation is part of their mandate under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires them to review such cases to determine if further investigation is warranted. The investigation remains ongoing, with preliminary facts subject to change.