Elmira Star-Gazette
A Chemung County grand jury indicted Officer Eduardo Oropallo for second-degree assault, a felony, in connection with the August 2019 death of Gary Strobridge, state Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday morning.
Oropallo intentionally injured Strobridge during a physical struggle following his arrest, the indictment alleges, but the union that represents Elmira police officers is defending Oropallo s actions.
The incident took place Aug. 22 when Elmira police officers responded to a residence on Horner Street in the city for a report of an emotionally disturbed person.
Strobridge, 47, reportedly resisted arrest and police had to deploy a taser before he was taken into custody.
Criminal charges filed against Elmira Police Officer following investigation into Gary Strobridge s death weny.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from weny.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Elmira police officer charged after unarmed man’s death in custody
Updated Dec 23, 2020;
Elmira, N.Y. An Elmira police officer has been charged with assault in the death of an unarmed man in police custody.
The state Attorney General’s office on Thursday announced the felony charge against Officer Eduardo Oropallo in the August 2019 death of Gary Strobridge.
Strobridge was involved in a physical altercation with police, who were trying to take him into custody under mental health law.
Police first arrived at a Horner Street residence on Aug. 22, 2019 to find Strobridge on the roof. When Strobridge came down, he began chasing a neighbor and police decided to take him into custody because he was apparently a threat to himself and others, according to media accounts.