Poughkeepsie Police Officer Cleared in Fatal Shooting After Sword Incident

A police officer will not face criminal charges after fatally shooting a man during a tense situation inside a Poughkeepsie home last year.

The decision comes after a new report was released by the New York Attorney General's Office, which investigated the death of Brian Czornyj following an encounter with Town of Poughkeepsie police.

Police Shooting Poughkeepsie, New York

What Happened During the Poughkeepsie Shooting?

Last year, we learned that a 36-year-old man had died after being shot by police in Poughkeepsie, NY. According to reports, it all happened on the afternoon of June 5, 2025, when Town of Poughkeepsie police officers were called to a home after receiving a 911 call reporting that Czornyj was armed with a sword and had struck his father and a member of a mobile crisis team from Mental Health America of Dutchess County.

When officers entered the house, they encountered Czornyj holding a sword by its grip while his father was holding the same weapon by the blade. At least one officer repeatedly ordered Czornyj to drop the sword and warned him that he would shoot if he did not comply. According to investigators, Czornyj did not follow those commands.

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The officer then fired his service weapon, striking Czornyj. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a samurai sword at the scene.

Town of Poughkeepsie Police Car

Why the Poughkeepsie Police Officer Was Cleared

Following an investigation, the Attorney General's Office determined that criminal charges against the officer would not be pursued. The Office of Special Investigation reviewed body camera footage, 911 calls, police records, and interviews with officers and civilian witnesses before reaching its decision.

Under New York law, deadly physical force may be used when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to defend against another person's use of deadly physical force.

Investigators determined that, given the circumstances of the encounter, a prosecutor could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer's actions were not legally justified. The report points to the initial reports of injuries, Czornyj holding a sword when officers arrived, and his failure to follow repeated commands to drop the weapon as key factors in the decision.

As a result, the Attorney General's Office concluded that criminal charges would not be pursued.