The state Attorney General’s Office will investigate the death of Gerard Roldan III, who died after being struck by a Cobleskill Police car earlier this month.
The Attorney General can take the case under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2015 executive order that the AG can investigate any police-involved death of an unarmed civilian.
Two Cobleskill Police cars were pursuing a speeding vehicle the night of November 9 when the lead police car struck Mr. Roldan as he was crossing East Main Street near the Save-a-Lot grocery.
Initially, Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery was investigating the fatality. But she asked Otsego County DA John Muehl to take the case; Ms. Mallery’s husband is a Cobleskill Police officer.
While Mr. Muehl may investigate, the Attorney General’s Office will also do so.
“The Governor’s executive order isn’t really clear,” Ms. Mallery said. “It looks like there will be collateral investigations.”
Having outside agencies investigate is an effort to maintain public confidence.
“We’re committed to conducting an independent, comprehensive and fair investigation,” said Amy Spitalnick, a spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s Office.
Depending on what the investigations discover, the case may go to a grand jury.
Cobleskill Police are also reviewing the incident internally.
The officer involved, whose name has not been released, was placed on administrative leave.