Media Reports That New Rochelle Man Shot By Police Died Not Accurate

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Media reports that Jerrel Garris has died after being hospitalized in critical condition since being shot by New Rochelle police on July 3 appear to be unfounded, according to sources close to the family.

On Friday afternoon, the father of Jerrel Garris will speak publicly about his son near the spot in New Rochelle where Garris was shot by police following a call about a theft at a nearby store.

This story was updated to reflect that initial media reports of Garris's death were not accurate.

On Monday, at approximately 4:29 p.m., the New Rochelle Police Department responded to a local grocery store for a larceny complaint resulting in an officer-involved shooting, according to the New York State Police who are investigating the police shooting.

Responding officers confronted Jerrel Garris, age 37, for allegedly stealing items from a local grocery store, according to the NYSP. Officers Kari Bird, Gabrielle Chavarry, and Detective Steven Conn of the New Rochelle Police Department approached Garris and while attempting to arrest him, Detective Conn fired one round from his department-issued firearm subsequently striking Garris, the NYSP said in a statement.

While officers were placing Garris under arrest, he physically resisted, according to New Rochelle police. The department said in a statement released late Tuesday evening that Garris then grabbed an officer's gun and attempted to remove the weapon from the holster. Body cam footage, released by the NRPD, appears to back up the assertion.

The body cam footage shows Garris apparently ignoring attempts by police to talk to him, initially walking away from officers. When officers tried to place him under arrest, a scuffle ensued. One officer can be heard calling for the use of a taser, but moments later, a male police officer can be heard shouting, "He's got a gun. He's got a gun."

No additional rounds were fired, according to state police.

The New York State Police and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the shooting.

SEE ALSO:

• City Officials Promise 'Transparent' Process After Police Shooting
• State Police ID 37-Year-Old Shot By NRPD, Name Officers Involved
• Man Who Grabbed Officer's Gun Shot By Police: New Rochelle PD