NY AG clears Rochester police in fatal shooting

New York Attorney General Letitia James has released findings into the death of a man during an interaction with Rochester Police Department officers.

Akintunde Campbell died on July 31, following an encounter with Rochester Police officers.

On Friday, James announced the conclusion that “a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force was justified under the law.”

According to the Attorney General’s office:

At 7:35 p.m. on July 31, RPD officers were dispatched to Ernestine Street in Rochester following 911 calls reporting a man looking into cars.

When officers arrived, they encountered Campbell, who matched the descriptions from the 911 calls, standing in a driveway on Ernestine Street.

Officers spoke briefly with Campbell, who said he was in the area waiting for a friend, and then attempted to walk away from the officers.

Officers spotted a bulge in Campbell’s front hoodie pocket, which they believed to be a weapon, and attempted to detain Campbell. A struggle ensued, and Campbell was able to break away from the officers.

Campbell again tried to walk away from the officers, keeping his hand in his pocket. Officers pointed their guns at Campbell and repeatedly asked him what was in his hand.

Campbell then pulled a gun from his hoodie pocket and held it with both hands, facing the officers. The officers ordered Campbell to drop the gun numerous times, but he did not comply.

Officers discharged their service weapons, striking Campbell. Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a handgun at the scene.