No charges against police in Maybrook shooting investigation

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GOSHEN – Both the Orange
County grand jury and District Attorney David Hoovler have concluded in
separate investigations that the Montgomery Town Police officer who fire
several rounds at a man before he took his own life was warranted in taking
that action since he was fired upon first.

The grand jury filed a “no bill,” ending its investigation
and ensuring that no state criminal charges would be filed against the
police officers involved.

On May 16, Anthony Bostick, who was believed to be suicidal, barricaded
himself inside his home at 812 Abbey Avenue in the Village of Maybrook.
The suspect had been involved in an altercation with his girlfriend.

Hoovler’s report indicated that fearing that Bostick would kill
himself, officers breached the apartment door and entered the residence.
They were aware he had a prior criminal history.

Once inside, they found Bostick hiding in a bathroom at the end of a hallway
and after he refused to come out and show officers his hands, he pulled
a semi-automatic pistol and fired one round toward three officers in the
hall. The bullet struck Police Chief Arnold Amthor in the upper left shoulder.

A Town of Montgomery officer returned fire several times as the chief
was removed from the area by other officers.

After the exchange of gunfire had ended, about 10 seconds elapsed when
officers heard a single muffled shot coming from the bathroom.
Officers left the apartment and established a containment perimeter around
the house.

The entire incident from the time the officers entered the apartment until
they left, was captured on a body camera worn by the officer who returned
fire.

Police sent in a robot six hours later to determine there was no threat
inside and Bostick was found dead, apparently suffering from a single
gunshot wound to the head. A loaded and operable semi-automatic pistol
was recovered near his body.

An autopsy conducted by the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office
concluded Bostick had died of a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to
his left temple. He was left-handed. Toxicology results indicated he had
smoked marijuana recently.

DA Hoovler said after reviewing all of the facts and circumstances involving
the police shooting, including interviews of witnesses and police officers,
and a review of the available evidence, it is his conclusion that the
police officers’ actions in this case were justified under state
penal law.
The incident may be separately reviewed by the Town of Montgomery to determine
whether departmental policies were adhered to.

 

 




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