The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Sean Daniel, who died on April 7, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Yonkers Police Department (YPD) in Yonkers, Westchester County. The OSI was previously conducting a preliminary assessment of the matter and has now opened an investigation following the receipt of new information.
At 7:19 p.m. on April 7, YPD officers went to a building on Bruce Avenue in Yonkers in response to a 911 call. When officers arrived, they saw Mr. Daniel allegedly assaulting a person. Two officers fired their Tasers, and four officers attempted to restrain Mr. Daniel. Mr. Daniel became unconscious and was taken 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.