A harrowing incident in Dutchess County has led to the death of Brian Czornyj, prompting the New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) to launch a probe into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
On June 5, 2025, officers from the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department (TPPD) responded to a 911 call reporting an assault with a sword at a house in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County. Upon arrival, they encountered two men standing side by side, both holding a single sword. Mr. Czornyj, who appeared to be uninjured, held the sword by its handle, while the older man, who seemed to be injured, held the sword by the blade.
According to preliminary reports, officers repeatedly gave commands to drop the sword, seemingly directing these commands at Mr. Czornyj. Despite these warnings, the men did not relinquish the sword, and an officer discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Czornyj. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The older man, who has not been named, was treated and released the night of June 5. A Samurai sword was recovered at the scene by the officers. The OSI has initiated an investigation into the death of Mr. Czornyj, as mandated by New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires the OSI to assess every incident reported to it where a police officer or peace officer may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission.
The law stipulates that the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Additionally, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If the OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, the OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident. The facts of the case are preliminary and subject to change as the investigation unfolds.
The New York Attorney General’s Office has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and no conclusions have been drawn regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Czornyj’s death. As the probe continues, the OSI will work to determine the facts of the case and assess whether the officer’s actions were justified. The community remains on high alert, awaiting the outcome of the investigation and seeking answers about the events that led to the tragic death of Brian Czornyj.
In the meantime, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department has referred all inquiries to the New York Attorney General’s Office, citing the ongoing investigation. The incident has sparked concern among local residents, who are calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation. As the OSI works to uncover the truth, the people of Dutchess County await justice and closure for the family of Brian Czornyj.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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