Cops Who Fatally Shot Saheed Vassell Will Not Be Charged: AG

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK -- Attorney General Letitia James will not seek criminal charges against the NYPD officers involved in the shooting Saheed Vassell, a bipolar man mistakenly reported to be carrying a gun, but urged police to examine how they release information to the public.

“I am saddened and very disappointed," said Saheed's father, Eric Vassell. "The NYPD officers who killed my son ... should be held accountable for their actions, lose their jobs, and go to jail."

The four officers who repeatedly shot Vassell, 34, after received 911 calls on April 4 about a man pointing what looked like a gun — but what was later revealed to be a metal pipe — did not break the law, according to a report released Friday.

Investigators from James’ Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit determined that the "officers' use of deadly physical force was justified" because it was "reasonable for them to believe that such force was necessary to defend themselves and others."

The 59-page report includes interviews with key witnesses, police officers, photographs and video taken from the scene of the shooting and concludes with recommendations that the NYPD examine how it releases information to the public.

Investigators noted sealed records were leaked to the press that "served no useful purpose except to denigrate Mr. Vassell," and surveillance footage had been edited "to emphasize a narrative that the object Mr. Vassell wielded appeared be a weapon."

The NYPD also incorrectly reported that the Attorney General's office had okayed the videotape footage's release when in fact the office had not been consulted, the report states.

SIJU investigators and James called on the NYPD to develop a "written, publicly available policy governing the release of video in critical incidents."

“The death of Saheed Vassell was a tragedy, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," James stated.

"We urge the New York Police Department to implement our recommendations."