JERSEY CITY, NJ – The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is investigating an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Andrew Washington, 52, of Jersey City, on Sunday, August 27.
According to a preliminary investigation, emergency medical services responded to Mr. Washington’s residence on Randolph Avenue just after 2:15 p.m. Unable to establish contact with Mr. Washington, they requested assistance from the Jersey City Police Department, who arrived at approximately 2:29 p.m.
Despite numerous attempts to communicate with Mr. Washington, he remained in his apartment and refused to open the door. Jersey City PD patrol officers then called for the Emergency Services Unit (ESU).
ESU officers arrived at approximately 2:56 p.m. and spent over half an hour trying to communicate with Mr. Washington through his closed apartment door.
At approximately 3:28 p.m., ESU officers forced entry into the apartment. Mr. Washington advanced toward the officers in the hallway/stairwell area. ESU Officer Felix DeJesus deployed a Conducted Energy Device, or stun gun, while ESU Officer Stephen Gigante discharged his service weapon, hitting Mr. Washington twice. A knife was later found near Mr. Washington.
EMS transported Mr. Washington to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 4:47 p.m. The investigation remains ongoing.