Off-Duty NYPD Officer Strikes, Kills Pedestrian in Rockland

ORANGEBURG, NY – William Huertas is dead after being struck by a vehicle driven by an off-duty New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer on Friday night. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:05 p.m. on Route 303 in Orangeburg, Rockland County, has triggered an investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI).

Huertas, a pedestrian, was hit while crossing Route 303. Emergency services rushed him to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The identity of the off-duty NYPD officer has not yet been released. Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash – including speed, visibility, and potential contributing factors – remain unclear.

The Attorney General’s OSI unit is mandated by New York State Executive Law Section 70-b to investigate any incident where a law enforcement officer, on or off-duty, may have caused a person’s death. This includes cases involving corrections officers and covers situations regardless of whether the deceased was armed, in custody, or engaged in any criminal activity. This broad mandate ensures independent scrutiny of police-involved fatalities.

“OSI assesses every reported incident,” a statement from the Attorney General’s office reads. “If the assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.” This investigation will likely involve a thorough examination of the crash site, witness interviews, and analysis of any available video or physical evidence. The OSI will also review the officer’s training records and any prior complaints.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. While preliminary facts have been released, officials caution that these details are subject to change as the investigation progresses. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.

The death of William Huertas marks the latest in a string of incidents involving law enforcement and civilian casualties. The OSI’s involvement underscores the growing demand for independent oversight of police actions in New York State. This case will undoubtedly draw scrutiny from both the public and police accountability advocates as the investigation unfolds.

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