Authorities have released new information in connection with last week’s police shooting in Vestal, identifying the individual involved as 38-year-old Eslam Ahmed Hegazy of Vestal. Officials say he has since died from his injuries.
In accordance with state law, the case has been referred to the New York State Attorney General’s Office. All further inquiries about the investigation are being directed to that office.
According to the original release from the Town of Vestal Police Department, officers responded around 11:36 a.m. on Feb. 25 to a report of a person experiencing a mental health crisis at 581 Sequoia Lane.
Police said officers encountered Hegazy holding a knife and threatening to harm himself. During the interaction, officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon. Authorities said he did not comply and at one point threw a television at officers.
Officers continued verbal commands and de-escalation efforts, but police say Hegazy then raised the knife, threatened officers, and advanced toward one of them. Shots were fired, striking him.
Officers rendered medical aid until emergency crews arrived. He was transported to Wilson Medical Center. No officers were injured.
The department has requested that the New York State Police conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
