NYPD Officer Cleared in Tanja Foster Death

New York – The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under Attorney General Letitia James today cleared an NYPD officer in the tragic death of Tanja Foster following a Brooklyn motor vehicle incident. The report, released on September 12, 2025, found insufficient evidence to charge the officer with any crime.

Foster, who died on November 20, 2024, fell into the road and was struck by an unmarked NYPD vehicle. Although speeding is not a legally sufficient action for criminally negligent homicide, OSI determined that the officer’s conduct did not meet the standard of care required to pursue charges.

Investigators reviewed footage from body cameras and multiple security cameras, interviewed officers, and civilians before reaching their conclusion. The report noted that Foster was lying in the road when approached by the vehicle, making visibility difficult even with streetlights and headlights on.

In New York, proving criminally negligent homicide requires showing a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death, a gross deviation from reasonable care, and blameworthy conduct. OSI concluded there was no evidence to support these criteria in this case.

The officer’s vehicle was traveling about 20 MPH over the limit, but no intoxication or distraction was reported. The report emphasized that visibility on Pennsylvania Avenue at night would not have guaranteed Foster’s detection by an approaching vehicle.

With the OSI’s findings, the case closes without criminal charges against the officer involved in Foster’s death.

RELATED: Scissors Standoff: NYPD Cleared in Win Rozario Shooting

RELATED: NYPD Cleared in Fatal Shooting of Knife-Wielding Daniel McAlpin