Victor Craighead, 45, died on March 28, 2026 in a shootout with members of the New York State Police (NYSP) in the town of Diana, Lewis County.
According to sources, the incident began on the evening of March 27, 2026, when NYSP troopers responded to a 911 call in the area of a mobile home on Alpine Road in Diana. During the early morning hours of March 28, Mr. Craighead came out of the mobile home armed with a long gun and fired at troopers who were in an armored vehicle.
One trooper discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Craighead. Mr. Craighead was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a long gun at the scene.
The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the incident, which is standard procedure when a police officer may have caused the death of a person. Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, 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.
OSI will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Craighead’s death, including reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.
The New York State Police have released a statement saying that they are cooperating fully with the OSI investigation and will provide any necessary information to assist in the investigation.
The incident has raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the procedures in place for investigating civilian deaths. The OSI investigation will provide answers to these questions and help bring closure to Mr. Craighead’s family and the community.
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