TRENTON, NJ – A police-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a woman in Fort Lee is currently under investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, July 28, 2024, at The Pinnacle apartment complex on Main Street.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the Fort Lee Police Department responded around 1:25 AM to a 911 call from a man reporting his sister was experiencing a mental health crisis and was armed with a knife. Upon arrival, officers engaged with the caller outside the apartment before an attempt was made to communicate with the occupants inside.
After the women inside the apartment refused entry and subsequent commands to open the door, police breached the entrance. The situation escalated when the sister approached the officers with a knife, leading to one officer discharging their weapon and striking the woman in the chest. Despite immediate medical assistance provided by the officers, the woman was pronounced dead at Englewood Hospital at 1:58 AM.
A knife was recovered at the scene, and, in compliance with N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the incident will be presented to a grand jury to assess the actions of the involved officers. This law mandates a thorough investigation and grand jury review for any death occurring during a police encounter or while in custody. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are withheld pending its completion.
