Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Rockland County

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of William Huertas, who died on December 13, 2025 following a motor vehicle incident involving an off-duty New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer in Orangeburg, Rockland County.

At approximately 9:05 p.m., an off-duty NYPD officer was driving north on Route 303 in Orangeburg when he struck and killed Mr. Huertas, a pedestrian. Mr. Huertas was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.