Clarkstown Police Chief Reacts to Grand Jury Finding of Justifiable Force in Little Tor Shootout

Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan issued this statement after a Rockland County Grand Jury declined to hand down a criminal indictment against the officer who shot Vincent Cordaro Feb. 8 in New City.

The armed confrontation had locked down the LIttle Tor Road neighborhood for more than four hours.

• SEE: No Charges Against Officer in Feb. 8 Little Tor Shoot-out

On February 8, 2015 a member of the Clarkstown Police Department had to take lethal action to ensure the safety of the citizens we are sworn to protect. This is an action that no officer ever wants to take, but it is part of the immense responsibilities we carry in law enforcement. Today we are informed by the Rockland county DA that the Grand Jury returned a “No True Bill” for that tragic incident putting an end to a very unfortunate situation for the entire Clarkstown community.

Our concerns are and remain for the well being and future of both the Cordaro family and the officers involved in this incident.

My department was forthright and transparent in aiding with the investigation conducted by the Rockland County DA to ensure that a just and final determination could be made in this case.

I would like to thank the 23 individuals doing their civic duty as members of the Grand Jury.

Chief Michael R. Sullivan

Clarkstown Police Department

RELATED:

• Police Standoff on Little Tor Road
• UPDATE: Gunman in Little Tor Road Standoff Identified
• Clarkstown Officer Shot New City Gunman
• 11 Guns Found at Scene of Feb. 8 Standoff in New City

PHOTO: Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan and Town Supervisor Alex Gromack at press conference Feb. 9, 2015/courtesy