AG's Office concludes investigation of trooper-involved shooting of Albany homicide suspect

NEW YORK (NEWS10) -- New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation released the report on the death of Rakim Tillery. Tillery died just over a year ago on January 3, 2024, in a trooper-involved shootout on the Thruway in Rockland County.

Tillery was accused of shooting David Cooley, 36, on Hudson Avenue in Albany in January 2024 before driving away. Police used eyewitness accounts and the state's Crime Analysis Center to identify the vehicle before troopers pulled the car over on the Thruway.

James' office said Tillery was already out of his vehicle and armed with a firearm when troopers were getting out of their police vehicles. Tillery then discharged his weapon at the troopers.

Investigators said Tillery fell to the ground after the initial exchange of gunfire before getting up and trying to grab a trooper's weapon. A second trooper fired his weapon at Tillery three times.

The AG's Office said New York law allows law enforcement to defend themselves against physical force. Criminal charges will not be brought against the New York State Police troopers.

One of the troopers suffered minor injuries in the shootout. The other was not hurt.