Rockaway Raccoon Shot by Cop Tests Negative for Rabies

NYC Health Department confirms the animal did not have the deadly virus.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:15am

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A raccoon shot and killed by an NYPD sergeant last week on a Queens beach did not have rabies, according to the city's Health Department. The sergeant shot the animal three times after it allegedly charged toward people on the boardwalk. The shooting is now under review by the NYPD's Force Investigation Division.

Why it matters

Raccoon attacks are rare, but can be dangerous if the animal is infected with rabies. The NYPD's use of lethal force against the raccoon raised concerns about whether it was necessary, especially since the animal did not have the deadly virus.

The details

Police body-worn camera footage captured Sgt. Nicholas Henry of the 100th Precinct unloading his firearm on the raccoon three times as it moved toward the boardwalk near Beach 121st Street in Rockaway Park. The video shows the creature stumble after the first shot, and the sergeant then shoots it two more times, leaving it motionless.

  • On January 22, the NYPD sergeant shot and killed the raccoon.
  • On January 31, the NYC Health Department confirmed the raccoon did not have rabies.

The players

Sgt. Nicholas Henry

An NYPD sergeant who shot and killed the raccoon.

NYC Health Department

The agency that tested the raccoon's remains and confirmed it did not have rabies.

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What’s next

The NYPD's Force Investigation Division is reviewing the shooting incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for clear protocols and de-escalation tactics when dealing with wildlife, even in urban areas, to avoid unnecessary use of lethal force unless there is a clear and imminent threat to public safety.