ADI finds police shooting was not racially motivated

SARANAC LAKE| Gunshots on Wednesday morning, June 29, left a stabbing suspect dead and one local man injured. State Police and Saranac Lake Police said Joshua De'Miguel Kavota stabbed a man on Bloomindale Avenue and then walked toward the Stewart's Shops. A witness who saw Kavota put the knife away called police and two officers approached him as he stood outside the local convenience store. According to Saranac Lake Police Chief Darin Perrotte, village Police Officer Gabrielle Beebe spoke to the suspect and asked for the knife. When Kavota lunged at her with the weapon, she backed away and stumbled. As she fell, fellow Saranac Lake Police Officer Aaron Sharlow fired twice, killing the alleged assailant. Kavota, a Black man, was in the process of working with mental health advocates who had been called to intervene, based on his erratic behavior, according to detailed review of the incident by members of the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, who viewed police body cameras. In a news release, ADI extended condolences to the family of Joshua Kavota and their concern for the stabbing victim and the members of the Saranac Lake Police Department. "Based on our review of the footage and a briefing with New York State Police and Saranac Lake Police Department, these are the facts surrounding the case thus far," the diversity organization said in a news release. Kavota stabbed a mental health advocate in an encounter on Bloomingdale Avenue, ADI said. "Mr. Kavota then continued on to a busy Stewart's parking lot, where officers found him minutes later. Officers immediately attempted de-escalation techniques to persuade Mr. Kavota to surrender the knife. "He repeatedly refused and lunged at the requesting officer with the knife. The approaching officer attempted to distance herself, and fell to the ground. The accompanying officer fired twice, striking Mr. Kavota. The officers immediately responded with life-saving efforts. EMS arrived on scene within a minute and a half." The incident is being investigated by New York State Police and the New York State Attorney General. ADI's review found the shooting was not racially motivated. "It appears from the evidence that the officer's life was in imminent danger," the organization said. "We are collaborating with the Saranac Lake Mayor, Chief of Police and New York State Police in an effort to release this footage as soon as possible. We ask that the community remain patient for the release of all information and conclusion of the investigation. "Regardless of the de-escalation techniques and actions of the Saranac Lake Officers, this remains a true tragedy that our entire community grieves. It is a very difficult situation, and we are sure that all involved will relive it for some time." Saranac Lake Mayor James Williams said it was a very tough day for the community. "Please focus on caring for one another right now. This is paramount in our effort to move forward together." Officers Sharlow and Beebe were placed on administrative leave. The measure is standard police procedure during an investigation, the chief said. Police reports have not named the stabbing victim. But the man was treated at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake and released.

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ADI finds police shooting was not racially motivated

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