Shooting death of James Rosano by Nassau police in Carle Place being investigated by AG James' office

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office has opened an investigation into the fatal shooting of a Carle Place man, who was seen waving a weapon at police that turned out to be a BB gun early Wednesday, state officials announced on Thursday.

Nassau County police responded to a 911 call at a Carle Place home on Rushmore Avenue shortly after midnight on Wednesday, when James Rosano, 33, was reported as intoxicated and making threats about dying from police force.

Police said they saw Rosano waving a gun, which officers thought was a shotgun, in front of the house. Officers gave "numerous commands" to drop the gun and he refused, authorities said. One officer opened fire, striking Rosano once in the chest. He was taken to NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island in Mineola, where he died, police said.

The attorney general’s office investigates all fatal shootings by officers, under state law. The officers were wearing body cameras during the shooting and the footage was turned over to James' office, police said.

State officials investigate deaths caused by officers on or off duty, and whether the person killed was armed or unarmed. The review will consider whether police officers followed proper procedure or if the case rises to criminal charges.

Nassau police said Rosano’s mother called police, describing him as irate. Police said the officer "feared for his life" and could not distinguish in the dimly lit front yard whether the rifle Rosano was holding was a shotgun or a BB gun. The gun was later identified as a Crossman Legacy 1000.

Rosano’s mother told police that her son had a history of addiction and depression. Police last responded to the home in 2022, Nassau homicide officials said.

Rosano was last arrested Sunday and charged with third-degree assault for allegedly attacking his girlfriend. He pleaded not guilty at arraignment Monday and was released on his own recognizance with a temporary order of protection, according to court records.

The officers involved in the shooting were taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and were being treated by peer support counseling following a traumatic incident.

"Our officers were confronted with what appeared to be a deadly weapon and acted with courage to protect themselves and the community," Nassau Police Benevolent Association president Tommy Shevlin said in a statement on Wednesday. "The loss of life is always tragic, and our thoughts are with the family. We will continue to stand with the officers who will carry the weight of this tragedy with them forever."

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.