Nathaniel Levi Gaines facts for kids

Nathaniel Levi Gaines (1971 – July 4, 1996) was an African-American man from Yonkers, New York. He sadly died after being shot by a police officer from the New York City Transit Police, which is part of the New York City Police Department. This event was later described as an illegal use of force. Nathaniel Gaines had served in the Persian Gulf War and was known to have no criminal record. He also had no history of problems with the police.

The Tragic Event

The event that led to Nathaniel Gaines' death happened on July 4, 1996. It took place on the platform of the 167th Street subway station, which is on the "D" line in the Bronx. Police officer Paolo Colecchia was involved in the incident.

Afterward, Officer Colecchia said that there had been a struggle between him and Gaines. He claimed that Gaines tried to grab his gun and push him onto the subway tracks. However, it later became clear that the officer knew during this struggle that Nathaniel Gaines did not have any weapon.