Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Benjamin Rivers
Age : 53
Gender : Male
Race : White
Date : 08/04/2023
Location : 900 block of Niagara Avenue
City : Niagara Falls
County : Niagara
State : New York
Agency : Niagara Falls PD
Officer(s) :Ian Sitek; Kayla Richards
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during investigation
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 08/03/2023, at approximately 9:35 p.m., Niagara Falls Police Department officers responded to the 900 block of Niagara Avenue after receiving reports of shots fired. When Officers Kayla Richards and Ian Sitek arrived, a witness pointed to Benjamin Rivers and told officers he had fired at her vehicle. Officers repeatedly ordered Rivers to show his hands and drop the handgun he was holding.
According to the investigation, Rivers did not comply and fired a shot toward Officer Richards. Officers Richards and Sitek returned fire, striking Rivers. Officers rendered medical aid until EMS arrived. Rivers was transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation reviewed body camera footage, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other evidence. In July 2024, the Attorney General concluded the evidence would not support criminal charges because prosecutors could not disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers' use of deadly force was justified under New York law.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/niagara-falls-police-involved-in-a-deadly-shooting
