E-bike rider dies after collision with patrol car in Middletown as AG names officer involved
TRENTON, NJ – The state Attorney General’s Office on Monday released the names of the cyclist and police officer involved in a fatal crash that occurred last month on Route 36 in Middletown, confirming the death of a 73-year-old man who collided with a marked patrol vehicle during a traffic turn.
According to a preliminary investigation, the incident happened around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, when Atlantic Highlands Police Officer Timothy Funk was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Orchard Avenue and Route 36. While attempting a right turn on red, his patrol vehicle collided with an e-bike being ridden by Henry Phillips Jr., 73, of Atlantic Highlands, who was traveling southbound in the northbound lane of Route 36.
Phillips was airlifted from the scene to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. He died nine days later on October 19.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is leading the investigation under a state law that mandates independent reviews of any death involving law enforcement in the line of duty. The law also requires that the case be presented to a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
No additional details about the incident or the investigation have been released.
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Key Points
- Henry Phillips Jr., 73, died following an October 10 crash with a police vehicle in Middletown
- Officer Timothy Funk was identified as the Atlantic Highlands officer involved
- The case is under review by the Attorney General’s Office as required by state law