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Attorney General To Investigate Death Of Westchester Politician's Nephew

The state Attorney General’sd Office is taking over the investigation into the death of a Yonkers city official’s nephew who died in police custody following an alleged shoplifting incident in Westchester.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Jonathan Maldonado, 21 - Yonkers City Council president-elect Mike Khader’s nephew - died on Wednesday after being tasered by police in Greenburgh following a struggle with officers. He was accused of stealing from Best Buy on Central Avenue in Hartsdale.

The Greenburgh Police Department initially had a news conference scheduled for Friday afternoon, but canceled it once Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that his office was taking over the investigation.

“We’re committed to conducting an independent, comprehensive and fair investigation,” a spokesperson from Schneiderman’s office stated. Greenburgh police deferred comment to the AG.

At approximately 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday, police said that officers were called to the Best Buy location following reports of a larceny in progress. Upon arrival, officers allegedly found Maldonado struggling with Best Buy security officials near Webb Field. Police officers were forced to use a taser to subdue him, he was then handcuffed.

While in handcuffs, police said that Maldonado began to lose consciousness, and was treated by officers and EMS at the scene. He went into cardiac arrest in an ambulance and he was pronounced dead at a local hospital an hour later. Three officers suffered minor injuries during the scuffle In a statement, Khader asked for privacy as they grieve and continue to learn details of the incident. Further information is expected to be released on Friday.

"My family suffered the tragic loss of my nephew," Khader said in a statement. "We are communicating with law enforcement and still learning the details of what took place. Please respect my family's privacy during this difficult time.”

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