TRENTON, NJ — A late-night shooting erupted in Trenton Friday, leaving one man dead, two others injured, and multiple vehicles and a home damaged, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force.
Around 11:25 p.m., Trenton police were responding to a ShotSpotter alert reporting multiple rounds fired near North Olden and Ohio avenues when a vehicle — driven by a shooting victim — crashed into their patrol car. The driver, identified as 41-year-old Andrew Coates of Trenton, had been shot and lost control of the vehicle. He was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he later died.
As officers secured the area, they discovered that Coates’ vehicle had also struck a civilian on the street. The man was transported to the hospital with injuries and is currently recovering.
While police were at the hospital, a second shooting victim arrived. The adult male had sustained a gunshot wound to the right leg and is listed in stable condition.
Two Trenton police officers who were inside the patrol vehicle during the crash were also hospitalized with injuries that were described as non-life threatening.
Investigators confirmed that two unoccupied cars and a residence on Indiana Avenue were hit by gunfire during the incident. No one inside the home was injured.
No arrests have been made as the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the Shooting Response Team, and Trenton police continue their investigation. Authorities have not released a motive or named any suspects.
Key Points
- Andrew Coates, 41, died after crashing into a police vehicle while suffering from gunshot wounds
- Another man was shot in the leg and a bystander was injured by the crash
- Two officers were hurt, and gunfire also struck vehicles and a home on Indiana Avenue
A gun battle spilled into the streets of Trenton, ending in a deadly crash and multiple injuries.
