The New York Attorney General’s Office Office of Special Investigation has released its report into the March 21, 2025, death of Miles Dignean following an encounter with deputies from the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office and troopers with the New York State Police in Oswego County.
After reviewing body-worn camera footage, physical evidence, ballistics testing, and officer interviews, investigators concluded criminal charges would not be filed. The agency said a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the deputy’s use of deadly force was unjustified under state law.
According to the report, officers responded around 12:48 p.m. to a home in Constantia to serve Dignean with an order of protection and conduct a welfare check. Authorities said the order required him to stay away from certain individuals, including a child inside the residence.
Investigators said a struggle broke out after officers informed Dignean that the child would be removed. During the altercation, he allegedly grabbed a large metal object and struck a state trooper in the head. An Oswego County deputy then fired his weapon, hitting Dignean. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Under New York’s justification law, officers may use deadly force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from deadly physical force. OSI determined the available evidence would not allow a prosecutor to disprove that standard.
While declining to pursue charges, investigators raised policy concerns, noting the sheriff’s office lacked a written protocol for responding to calls involving people in crisis. OSI recommended formal policies and expanded training statewide.
The agency also urged lawmakers to adopt Daniel’s Law, which would establish community-based crisis response teams made up of medical and peer support personnel to handle certain mental health and substance use emergencies, potentially reducing police involvement.
