State investigators have cleared Ontario County Sheriff’s deputies and Canandaigua police officers in the fatal shooting of a Warren, Pennsylvania man two years ago.
New York Attorney General Tish James determined the officers’ actions were justified after reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses, and conducting a legal analysis.
The shooting occurred on February 28, 2023, when 31-year-old Brandon Zurkan was pulled over and approached police with a loaded gun. Investigators say he was shot after raising his weapon toward officers despite repeated warnings.
Zurkan died the next day in the hospital.
Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione and Canandaigua Police Chief Matthew Nielsen released the following joint statement:
“As we stated on March 1, 2023, this was a tragic incident for all involved. The members of the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and Canandaigua Police Department who were involved in this incident attempted to engage in conversation with the suspect, offering him assistance multiple times over the course of nine minutes. Despite their repeated efforts, the suspect failed to comply then raised his firearm at the officers leaving them no option but to use deadly force in protection of themselves and the public. The actions by our members during this entire incident were professional, compassionate and in line with the on-going training they receive to protect this community. We are thankful for our members who work on the front lines every day to serve and protect our communities.”
The full report from the Attorney General’s Office can be read below:
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