State police, AG's office investigate fatal Wallkill police-involved shooting

New York State Police and the state Attorney General's Office are now investigating Saturday's police-involved shooting in Wallkill that led to the death of a 31-year-old man.

News 12 Staff

Jun 14, 2021, 10:25 PM

Updated 1,207 days ago

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New York State Police and the state Attorney General's Office are now investigating Saturday's police-involved shooting in Wallkill that led to the death of a 31-year-old man.
"I can't say much because it's an ongoing investigation, but it is a tragedy," said Wallkill Town Supervisor Frank Dendanto III.
It's still unclear what happened that a Wallkill police officer to use his gun during a call Saturday afternoon. The man who died has been identified as Christopher Vankleek.
"I feel very badly for the event and obviously feel very badly for the family, and I also feel for the police officer," Dendanto added.
Wallkill police officers are not equipped with body cameras, which is something Dendanto said the department is pushing for.
"We are actually in the process of lobbying to get body cameras. We think this is the next step in our 203 compliance. We've been talking about it for quite a while. Obviously, cost is a concern," Dendanto said.
While the officer's name is still not known, Dendanto said the officer is not a rookie and has served with other departments previously.
News 12 called and emailed state police, the state Attorney General's Office and Wallkill police but has not received any new information.
News 12 also reached out to Vankleek's family, who said they have no comment at this time and ask for privacy.