Rochester Man Shot Dead by Police: No Charges Filed

ROCHESTER, NY – Akintunde Campbell, 32, is dead after a July 31st encounter with Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers on Ernestine Street. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) announced today that, following a full investigation, a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers’ use of deadly force was unjustified.

The incident unfolded after 911 calls flooded in around 7:35 p.m. reporting a man allegedly peering into and attempting to enter vehicles. Responding RPD officers found a man matching the description – later identified as Akintunde Campbell – standing in a driveway. According to OSI’s findings, a brief conversation took place where Campbell stated he was waiting for a friend before attempting to leave the scene.

Things escalated quickly. Officers observed what they believed to be a weapon – a bulge – in Campbell’s hoodie pocket and attempted to detain him. A struggle ensued, and Campbell broke free. He again tried to walk away, keeping his hand concealed in his pocket. Officers drew their firearms and repeatedly demanded to know what he was carrying. OSI states Campbell then pulled a handgun from his hoodie, holding it in both hands and facing the officers. Despite repeated orders to drop the weapon, Campbell did not comply.

Officers discharged their service weapons, striking Campbell, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered. The entire encounter was captured on the officers’ body-worn cameras, footage OSI reviewed as part of its investigation. The AG’s office, under Executive Law Section 70-b, is mandated to investigate any death potentially caused by a law enforcement officer, regardless of on-duty status or the victim’s armed status.

While a full Investigation Report will be released at a later date, OSI has issued a Notification of Investigative Findings, essentially closing the criminal probe. This doesn’t absolve the RPD from internal review or potential civil litigation, but it signals that the state won’t be pursuing criminal charges against the officers involved. The justification hinges on the officers’ reasonable belief that Campbell posed an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury.

This case, like so many others, underscores the razor’s edge officers walk and the split-second decisions they’re forced to make. Grimy Times will continue to follow this story, including any potential civil actions and internal RPD investigations. The family of Akintunde Campbell has not yet released a statement.