Hoad Gunned Down After 13-Hour Standoff: No Charges Filed

CAMERON, NY – Allan Hoad, 53, is dead after a tense 13-hour standoff with law enforcement in Steuben County, and the New York Attorney General’s Office isn’t pressing charges. A newly released report from Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) details the October 21, 2024, incident, concluding that officers were justified in using deadly force against Hoad. The Grimy Times has obtained a copy of the full report.

The chaos began in the early morning hours when Steuben County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies responded to a 911 welfare check request at Hoad’s residence on Angel Road in Cameron. The situation quickly escalated. According to the OSI report, Hoad immediately fired a shotgun at the arriving deputies, initiating a prolonged standoff. Hoad then began making repeated threats to kill police and others during calls with 911 operators and SCSO crisis negotiators, digging in and refusing to surrender.

Around 2 p.m. that afternoon, Hoad left his home, driving his truck through a field toward a property on Swale Road, still armed with a long gun. Officers from both SCSO and the City of Corning Police Department (CCPD) attempted to block his path, using their patrol vehicles to contain him. But Hoad wasn’t backing down. He put the truck in reverse and deliberately drove it toward the officers, brandishing what appeared to be a handgun. The truck collided with a patrol car, and officers opened fire, striking Hoad.

Hoad was rushed to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. A subsequent search of Hoad’s truck revealed a shotgun and three imitation pistols – a detail that undoubtedly weighed heavily in the OSI’s assessment. The report meticulously details the review of body-worn camera footage, drone surveillance, witness statements, and officer accounts, painting a picture of a volatile and dangerous situation.

Under New York law, officers are permitted to use deadly force when they reasonably believe it’s necessary to defend themselves or others from imminent threat of death or serious physical injury. OSI investigators concluded that, given Hoad’s initial act of firing a weapon at deputies, his continued threats, and his attempt to ram officers with his vehicle while armed, a prosecutor would be unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers’ actions weren’t justified. “Under these circumstances,” the report states, “criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situations law enforcement officers face and the legal framework governing their use of force. While the loss of life is always tragic, the OSI report leaves little room for doubt: Allan Hoad forced the hand of the officers on scene, and they acted within the bounds of the law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow developments in cases involving police use of force across the state.