Family and friends of Allan Hoad gathered at Pulteney Park on Saturday for a peaceful protest, calling for improved law enforcement handling of mental health crises. The demonstration came months after the 50-year-old Hoad died in an October 21 standoff with police in Cameron, Steuben County.
Hoad’s loved ones, who affectionately called him “Moose,” used the event to honor his memory and push for changes in police practices. Protesters displayed handmade signs and chanted phrases such as “Justice for Moose” and “Steuben County failed us” while music played in the background. The family shared their belief that Hoad’s death could have been prevented with a different approach.
A Call for Help Turns Tragic
The incident began as a welfare check initiated by Hoad’s family, who expressed concern for his mental health. According to Harley Cole, Hoad’s child, the family sought assistance from local authorities, not anticipating the devastating outcome.
“You know, we called for help,” Cole said. “Little did we know that this would be the outcome.”
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reported that Hoad fired a shotgun at two patrol vehicles upon the officers’ arrival. Crisis negotiators were deployed, attempting for hours to persuade Hoad to surrender peacefully. However, events escalated when Hoad exited his home, entered his truck armed, and drove to a neighbor’s property before returning to his vehicle.
Footage released by the New York State Attorney General’s Office in November showed Hoad reversing his truck toward deputies and colliding with a patrol car. Body camera recordings captured officers firing as Hoad exited the truck. He was subsequently taken into custody and given medical care but succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Seeking Accountability and Change
Aubrey Hetznecker, the family’s attorney, emphasized the preventable nature of Hoad’s death and its impact on the community.
“It’s our position that this is a preventable death,” Hetznecker said. “This tragedy is not only a violation of the family’s trust but also of the community’s trust. Today’s turnout reflects the shared desire for accountability and change.”
Hetznecker revealed that a notice of claims has been filed against the entities involved, including the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. Protesters called for enhanced mental health training for law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Family Advocates for Mental Health Awareness
Wanda Hoad, Allan’s wife, expressed the family’s pain and determination to raise awareness about mental health issues.
“They failed us,” Wanda Hoad said. “We want the world to know my husband wasn’t a monster. This is about more than Allan; it’s about ensuring no other family has to endure this pain.”
The protest marks the beginning of the family’s advocacy efforts. They plan to organize additional events to push for systemic reforms in how law enforcement handles mental health-related incidents in Steuben County.
As the community seeks answers, the Hoad family’s message is clear: justice for Allan Hoad and meaningful change to prevent future tragedies.
