“Fatal Police Shooting in Rochester: AG Releases Video of Todd Novick’s Death on Christmas Eve”

– AG’s office releases bodycam footage in fatal Rochester police incident
– Rochester police shooting bodycam footage released by AG’s office.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

The Office of Attorney General Letitia James has released a new video that sheds light on a deadly police shooting that occurred on Christmas Eve in Rochester, New York. The video, which was made public on Tuesday, includes crucial footage and audio that were previously omitted by the Rochester Police Department.

The incident took place on Murray Street at around 8:30 a.m. on December 24. According to investigators, the police were responding to reports of a man with a gun. The newly released 1:47 video, made available by the AG’s office, begins with Officer Celiberti approaching the scene in a vehicle. Todd Novick, 46, is seen standing with another person, whose identity has been blurred in the video.

Officer Celiberti initiates the conversation by asking what is happening. An unidentified person responds, stating that they are just passing through and not planning to stay long. Novick informs the officer that he is on his way to work at a mechanic shop and explains that he works on cars. The officer then questions why they are gathered at that specific location, to which Novick responds that they were merely talking and asks if it is not allowed to have conversations while passing by.

As the conversation unfolds, another RPD patrol car arrives at the scene. Officer Celiberti remarks, “we’ve got some weird calls, man.” At this point, Novick starts walking away from the officer who just arrived, and when Officer Celiberti asks him to wait, Novick suddenly sprints away. The officer immediately gives chase, and within seconds, Novick appears to reach for his waistband, prompting the officer to aim their weapon and order Novick to stop.

As Novick turns a corner, he can be seen holding an object in his hand. The officer shouts, “drop the gun! Drop the-” and fires five shots. Novick collapses in a nearby driveway and rolls onto his back. The officer then demands that he get on his stomach and place his hands behind his back. Another officer approaches and begins handcuffing Novick as he explains that he was trying to put the object down.

Following the incident, police called for backup and announced that a male was down and a handgun was recovered. However, it was later revealed that the handgun in question was a replica. Novick was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. As per departmental policy, the officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.

The Attorney General’s office assumed control of the investigation, as mandated by state law for all incidents involving officers potentially causing a person’s death. Previously, the Rochester Police Department had released its own version of the video in December, which had been edited to exclude certain audio, slowed down in parts, and emphasized to support the department’s narrative of the incident.

RPD Chief David Smith stated that, based on the department’s review of the footage, the officer’s actions were in compliance with both departmental policy and state law. However, advocates have called for a change in police policy following the incident. In January, a vigil was held in memory of Todd Novick to honor his life and seek justice.

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– AG’s office releases bodycam footage in fatal Rochester police shooting
– Rochester police shooting bodycam footage released by AG’s office.