Carle Place, NY – In a tragic incident on Long Island, police fatally shot a man who charged at officers wielding a BB gun rifle. The man, James Rosano, 33, made a chilling promise to his mother moments before the fatal confrontation, telling her he would die at the hands of the police, authorities confirmed.
Responding to a domestic disturbance call placed by Rosano’s mother, Nassau police officers faced a dangerous and tense situation that ended with deadly force after Rosano aimed what appeared to be a real shotgun at them. The BB gun closely resembled a shotgun, leaving officers with a difficult decision in the dimly lit scene.
The Fatal Confrontation and the Chilling Promise
Rosano kissed his mother goodbye and warned her, saying, “Kiss me, I’m going to go outside and die at the hands of police,” just before leaving his home in Carle Place. His mother had called 911 shortly after midnight reporting her son was drunk, out of control, and refusing to leave the house.
Upon officers’ arrival, they spoke briefly with Rosano’s mother at the doorway. Suddenly, Rosano appeared holding what the police described as a shotgun in the dark and dimly lit environment. After officers pushed his mother aside and commanded him to drop the weapon multiple times, they fired a single shot hitting Rosano in the chest.
Rosano was immediately rushed to NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island, where he was pronounced dead. The weapon was later identified as a Crosman Legacy 1000 BB gun, a replica nearly indistinguishable from an actual shotgun.
“This is what was pointed at our officers, this is the threat, and that is what the police officers stopped,” said Nassau Police official Ryder, holding up a photo of the BB gun during a press briefing.
Background: A Troubled History
James Rosano struggled with alcoholism and drug use for many years and had a significant criminal record. Police reports detailed previous convictions for burglary, arson, DWIs, and multiple assaults. In the days leading up to the shooting, Rosano had been arrested twice — once in New York City and again on Long Island — for allegedly attacking his girlfriend.
Emergency calls involving Rosano date back to 2010 and 2022, reporting incidents including depression, overdoses, and intoxication issues. These background details paint a picture of a man in distress, battling personal demons before the fatal encounter as per NY Post.
Investigation and Police Accountability
The officers involved were unharmed during the incident. Their body cameras were promptly handed over to the state’s attorney general’s office, which will conduct an investigation to determine whether the shooting was justified, as mandated for all police-involved shootings.
- The BB gun was a Crosman Legacy 1000, closely resembling a real shotgun.
- Rosano’s criminal record included multiple serious offenses.
- He had been arrested just days before the shooting for alleged violent behavior.
- The incident stemmed from a domestic disturbance call initiated by Rosano’s mother.
- Body camera footage is under investigation for transparency and accountability.
Reflecting on the Tragedy
This fatal confrontation underscores the complex challenges law enforcement faces when responding to domestic disturbances and volatile situations involving imitation weapons. It also raises questions about mental health support and intervention for individuals struggling with addiction and violent tendencies.
What do you think about this tragic incident and the difficult decisions faced by police officers? Have you witnessed similar challenges involving imitation weapons? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
