Update on Officer Involved Shooting

OSWEGO – On March 21^st, 2025, at 12:09 PM Oswego County 911 dispatched an Oswego County Sheriff’s Deputy and a New York State Trooper to 34 Cook Road in the Town of Constantia regarding a male, identified as 32-year-old Miles Dignean, having a “psychotic episode”.  Additionally, a Deputy from the Oswego Sheriff’s Office Civil Division responded to serve a Family Court order of protection against Mr. Dignean.  As a result of the court order, it was necessary for a 3-year-old child to be removed from the custody of Mr. Dignean.

The two Deputies arrived at 12:48 PM and immediately came in contact with Mr. Dignean. Within minutes the N.Y. State Trooper arrived on scene. Mr. Dignean was informed that a family member was responding to take custody of the child. Once Mr. Dignean was informed of this, he became uncooperative with the Officers and attempted to prevent the removal of the child.

The Trooper was able to quickly and safely remove the child from the custody of Mr. Dignean and Mr. Dignean became combative.  During the struggle, Mr. Dignean grabbed a hold of a steel C-Clamp, that measured 7 inches by 17 inches and weighed 8 pounds; and struck the Trooper in the head with it. Deputy Corey Whitney, an 11-year veteran, then deployed his taser.  The taser deployment was ineffective, resulting in Deputy Whitney transitioning to his service weapon and immediately firing twice, striking Mr. Dignean.  The two other officers on scene were Deputy Charles Costello, a 25-year veteran, and N.Y. State Trooper Junyla Sabari.

First aid was immediately rendered by all three Officers on scene and the child was removed from the scene and placed in the care of family members. 

Mr. Dignean was transported to Upstate University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The Trooper was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital and treated for a head injury.

In the 24 hours leading to this incident, there were multiple 911 calls, made by multiple people, sending various officers to 34 Cook Road.

Per Sheriff’s Office policy, both Deputies involved have been placed on Administrative Leave pending investigation.

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