HOPE TOWNSHIP, NJ—A tragic incident involving a civilian sport utility vehicle and a motorcycle during a police pursuit has led to the death of a motorcyclist in Hope Township, Warren County. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has taken up the investigation of the accident that occurred on August 13.
The pursuit began around 10:19 AM when a New Jersey state trooper started following the SUV on Route 80 eastbound near milepost 11.
The SUV exited the interstate at Exit 12 onto County Road 521 southbound, where it attempted to overtake another vehicle on Dogwood Road and, while merging back, collided with the southbound motorcycle at approximately 10:20 AM.
The collision resulted in the motorcyclist being ejected from his vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene; his identity has not been disclosed. The SUV driver was evaluated at Hackettstown Medical Center and subsequently detained at Warren County Jail.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office is further investigating the SUV driver’s involvement in the incident.
Under a 2019 New Jersey law, any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while in custody mandates an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office, with findings to be presented to a grand jury.
