ciry oF ateawy Departuewt oF PoLice 105 Hewny JonNsoN BOULEVARD "ALsany, NEW YORK 12210 ne Hrs | ‘Teverwone (918) 462-0012 COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION 18-155 For Immediate Release September 6, 2018, DETAILS RELEASED REGARDING OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING ‘ALBANY, NY ~ An intemal investigation conducted by the Albany Police Department's Office of Professional Standards into an officer involved shooting that occured last week on Elk Steet hasbeen concluded ‘On Monday, August 20, 2018 at approximately 4:30 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched tothe 200 block of ‘Central Avenue for reports ofa large fight involving a handgun, At the time ofthe call, Albany police detectives James Olsen, Lawrence Heid and Christopher Comell were ‘already inthe vicinity and responded tothe scene. Upon their arrival, the detectives observed a male matching the description ofthe armed suspect inthe area of North Lake Avenue and Sherman Street and atempted to stop him as part ofthe investigation. While stil in their vehicle, the detectives pulled up near the suspect who attempted to conceal himself behind ‘two other individuals who were with him. The detectives immediately identified themselves as the police, at ‘which point all three men began to flee on foot. Given the information at the time ofthe call and the detailed description of the suspect that was provided by the caller, detectives followed 19-year-old Ellazar Williams of Binghamton, who matched that description, ashe ran east on Sherman Street and north across a parking lot to the rear of 395 Elk Street. They followed him in their car at a safe distance to ensure their safety given the ‘information that he may be armed with a handgun ‘While in the parking lot of 395 Ek Street, Detective Olsen, who was the front seat passenger, exited the police ‘vehicle and began to chase Williams on foot tothe rear ofthe building. Detective Heid, who was driving, followed almost immediately. Detective Comell remained in the vehicle. ‘While in the rear ofthe building, Williams was observed running along the fence line and in an effort to double ‘back towards the officers, Williams slipped and fell onthe conerete. While falling tothe concrete, a large knife that he was in possession of also fell to the ground. Detective Olsen, who was within lethal distance of Williams gave several commands to Williams to “get on the ground.” Williams refused to follow the detective’s ‘commands and proceeded to re-arm himself with the knife. Fearing for his safety and life especially being ‘within lethal distance to Williams, Detective Olsen discharged two rounds from his sevice weapon striking Williams once in the rear left shoulder.‘The detectives, as well as other officers who responded to the scene, immediately administered ‘emergency medical care to Williams and summoned EMS tothe seene, Members of the Albany Fire Department responded to the scene to further assess Williams and transported him to Albany ‘Medical Center Hospital During their assessment of Williams, firefighters from the Albany Fire Departinent also iscovered a large sheath inside William's pants used for concealing the knife liams has been charged with Menacing a Police Officer and Criminal Possession of ‘Weapon 4. He was atraigned at Albany Medical Center Hospital and released under the ‘supervision of probation. He is currently being represented by the Albany County Public Defender's Office. The Albany Police Department's Office of Professional Standards was not afforded the opportunity to speak with him regarding the shooting. “Following a thorough investigation that involved statements from witnesses, radio ttansmissions and video surveillance that supports the detective's version ofthe events, [am confident that Detective Olsen’s ations were both reasonable and necessary,” said Commander ichae] Basle. “Given that Detective Olsen was within lethal distance of Williams during the incident, coupled with William's decision to re-arm himself with a large knife, Detective Olsen’s decision to use his service weapon was consistent with his raining, department policy and Article 35 of the New York State Penal Lav.” At this time, Detectives Heid and Comell have been returned to full duty. Detective Olsen remains on administrative duty ‘We have been in contact with the Albany County District Attomey’s Office in regards o this incident and have offered to tur over the results of the internal investigation. ate