Scissors Standoff: NYPD Cleared in Win Rozario Shooting

QUEENS, NY – A Queens man is dead after a chaotic encounter with NYPD officers that culminated in multiple gunshots, and now, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released a report clearing the officers of any criminal wrongdoing. The report details a disturbing sequence of events on March 27, 2024, where Win Rozario, the man who initiated the 911 call, became the subject of the emergency response and ultimately, a fatal shooting.

According to the OSI report, officers responded to a residence in Queens at 1:49 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from Win Rozario himself. Upon arrival, Rozario’s brother informed them that his brother was experiencing an “episode.” What unfolded next was a rapidly escalating situation inside the second-floor apartment. Officers questioned the brother further – “Is he high on drugs?” and “Did he take anything?” – before encountering Rozario and his mother.

The situation turned violent at 1:53 p.m. when Rozario, armed with a pair of scissors, advanced on the officers. Despite attempts by his mother to restrain him, Rozario pressed forward. The first officer deployed a Taser, but it failed to fully subdue him. After his mother briefly disarmed him, Rozario retrieved the scissors again and continued his advance, prompting the second officer to open fire, striking him once. The mother and brother fell to the floor during the struggle.

The report details a relentless escalation. Even after being struck by gunfire, Rozario remained standing, still wielding the scissors. Officers repeatedly shouted commands to “put it down,” but Rozario took a step forward, triggering a second volley of shots from the same officer. The first officer then fired multiple times, a total of four shots, as Rozario continued to pose a threat. The second officer fired a third time.

The OSI’s investigation meticulously reviewed body-worn camera footage, ballistics reports, 911 calls, and conducted interviews with involved officers and the medical examiner. Despite the thoroughness, investigators determined that a prosecutor would be unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers’ actions were *not* justified under New York law. The justification hinges on the perceived imminent threat posed by Rozario wielding the scissors. The report makes no mention of mental health intervention attempts prior to the use of force.

The decision not to pursue criminal charges will likely fuel debate about police response to individuals in mental health crisis. While the OSI report focuses solely on legal justification, the incident raises questions about de-escalation tactics and the availability of resources for individuals experiencing a mental health episode. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and investigate the broader context of police encounters with individuals in crisis within New York City.