Investigation Into Officer-Involved Fatal Shooting In Carle Place: Police

CARLE PLACE, NY — Police are investigating a deadly overnight shooting involving an officer in Carle Place, authorities said.

Shots were fired at a home on Rushmore Avenue just after midnight.

"Last night, our officers responded to this domestic [situation]," Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said. "He was intoxicated, and he was carrying what appeared to be a shotgun."

It was later discovered that the weapon was a BB gun, Ryder said.

The man, identified as James Rosano, 33, picked up the gun and "pointed it at our officer," Ryder said. "He immediately pushed the mother into the house, putting his life in danger to save that woman."

Ryder said Rosano was ordered multiple times to drop the weapon, but he refused and kept walking toward the officer.

"As he was waving that gun at the officer, after numerous commands to put the gun down, our officer shot," the commissioner said.

"He refused to comply to drop the weapon," Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said. "He became in fear for his safety, and it became reasonable and necessary for that officer to discharge the weapon."

Rosano took one shot to the chest and died a short time later at a nearby hospital, police said.

“Our officers were confronted with what appeared to be a deadly weapon and acted with courage to protect themselves and the community. 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," Nassau Police Benevolent Association President Tommy Shevlin said in a statement.

Body cameras worn by the three officers are being turned over to the New York State Attorney General for review, Fitzpatrick said.

"He has numerous histories of assault; in fact, he was just arrested on Sept. 1 for assaulting his girlfriend," said Fitzpatrick. "Five days prior to that, he assaulted her within the boundaries of New York City."

His rap sheet includes arson and burglary arrests, Fitzpatrick said.

His mother told police that Rosano was "highly irrational [and] out of control," Fitzpatrick said. "She believed he was on controlled substances and was drinking heavily."

While Fitzpatrick called the ending "unfortunate," he praised the officers "for saving the mother and for holding off until the ultimate moment where they had to take action."

The investigation is ongoing.