Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Deadliest Force Used, New York 2026

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has issued a Notification of Investigative Findings regarding the investigation into the death of Mark Bemis.

According to the OSI, Bemis, 47, died on June 18, 2025, following an encounter with members of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in Chautauqua County.

The OSI investigation found that the officers’ use of deadly physical force was justified under the law. A final Investigation Report will follow.

The incident began when two CCSO deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute at Bemis’ home. The deputies arrived at 3:54 p.m. and encountered Bemis, who was in the garage, holding a shotgun.

The first deputy took out his service weapon and instructed Bemis to drop his weapon. Bemis fired a shot into the air, and the deputy took cover behind a tree. The deputy and Bemis exchanged several rounds of gunfire, and the deputy was struck in his left hand. Both deputies then fired again, striking Bemis.

The incident was captured on the deputies’ body-worn cameras. OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. In cases where the evidence and legal analysis are clear and the investigation is complete, OSI may issue a Notification of Investigative Findings announcing the conclusion of the investigation.

In this case, the OSI has concluded that the officers’ use of deadly force was justified, and a final Investigation Report will be issued at a later date.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

James Greed, Financial Crimes, Virginia 2023

Jul 1, 2008

Violent Crime

Varvaras, Money Laundering, Maryland 2023

Jul 1, 2003

Violent Crime

Rojas Sanchez, Daytime Robbery, Maryland 2024

Jul 1, 2021

Violent Crime

George Johnson, Manslaughter, Washington D.C. 2024

Aug 3, 1858