An investigation was opened into the death of a New York man who was fatally shot following an encounter with Oswego County sheriff’s deputies and state police last week.
The sheriff’s office said it was called to a home in Constantia, about 36 miles from Syracuse, around noon on Friday after someone reported a male having an apparent “psychotic episode,” NBC affiliate WSTM-TV of Syracuse reported.
Deputies were also there to serve Miles Dignean an order of protection, according to a news release by State Attorney General Letitia James’ office.
The situation allegedly escalated when Dignean was told that his 3-year-old child was being taken and that a family member was on the way to pick up the child, according to Syracuse.com. Deputies said Dignean became uncooperative and tried to prevent them from removing the child, the news outlet reported.
A struggle ensued, and Dignean allegedly “swung a metal object at officers, striking a NYSP trooper in the head,” James’ office said.
“As the struggle continued, an OCSO deputy discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Dignean. Mr. Dignean was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead,” the news release states.
Dignean’s parents could not immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday.
Two deputies have been placed on administrative leave, Syracuse.com reported.