BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Police are investigating a fatal accident involving a Buffalo Police officer.
The accident happened around 6:30 a.m. Friday on Hertel Avenue near Tennyson.
Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo says an officer was responding to a call on Starin Avenue in a marked patrol vehicle. They say the officer was dispatched from the D-District station on Hertel and had just crossed over Delaware Avenue when the woman was struck.
Hertel between Delaware and Tennyson was closed while police investigated. It has since re-opened.
Police offered their condolences to the woman's family, but did not identify her. They say she was in her 60s and police say nearby residents say she took a daily walk in the morning. Police have not officially released the victim's name.
Police also did not identify the officer, but say he is a six-year veteran. They say he is cooperating with the investigation.
The officer involved in the crash is on administrative leave, according to a Buffalo Police spokesman. That's standard procedure.
Buffalo Police say the patrol car involved does not have a dash camera. Investigators will look to see if city surveillance cameras or business surveillance cameras show the accident.
Police did not say if the officer had his lights and sirens activated at the time of the accident.
Buffalo Police asked for the New York State Police collision reconstruction unit to conduct the accident investigation.
Buffalo Police are also conducting an internal investigation.
The State Attorney General's Office has also opened an investigation into the incident, releasing the following statement:
“The Attorney General’s Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit has opened an investigation into this morning’s incident, pursuant to the Attorney General’s authority under Executive Order No. 147. We’re committed to conducting an independent, comprehensive, and fair investigation.”