RAMAPO, NY – A hail of gunfire on the New York State Thruway left Rakim Tillery dead on January 3, 2024, and a newly released report from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) concludes the two New York State Police (NYSP) troopers involved were justified in their actions. The report, released February 4, 2025, details a rapidly escalating encounter that ended with Tillery armed and engaging troopers, leaving prosecutors with insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.
The incident began at approximately 2:53 p.m. when two NYSP troopers initiated a traffic stop on the Thruway near Ramapo, Rockland County. The stop was based on a report concerning an earlier incident that had occurred that same day in Albany. Troopers, operating in two marked vehicles with turret lights activated, pulled Tillery’s car over. But the situation deteriorated instantly. As the troopers exited their vehicles, Tillery was already outside his, brandishing a firearm and immediately opening fire on the officers.
One of the troopers returned fire, striking Tillery, who fell to the ground. However, the confrontation didn’t end there. Tillery reportedly attempted to rise and a physical struggle ensued with one of the troopers. The report states Tillery actively tried to disarm the trooper, grabbing for his service weapon. It was at this point the second trooper discharged his firearm three times, ultimately fatally wounding Tillery. The entire sequence unfolded in a matter of seconds.
OSI’s investigation was exhaustive, encompassing interviews with witnesses, meticulous review of both dashboard and body-worn camera footage, and a comprehensive legal analysis. The report hinges on New York’s justification law, which permits officers to use deadly force when they reasonably believe it’s necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. Investigators determined the troopers had legitimate reason to stop Tillery based on the dispatch regarding the Albany incident, and that his immediate resort to gunfire provided ample justification for their response.
“Given the law and the evidence gathered, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Rakim Tillery was justified,” the report concludes. This determination effectively closes the case, leaving a trail of questions about Tillery’s actions leading up to the shooting and the initial incident in Albany, which remains unaddressed in the OSI report.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow any developments related to the Albany incident that prompted the initial traffic stop. This case underscores the volatile and often split-second decisions law enforcement officers are forced to make, and the high legal bar for prosecuting officers even in deadly force encounters. While the OSI report offers legal justification, it provides little comfort to those seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding Rakim Tillery’s death.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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