CRANFORD, NJ – A late-night police pursuit involving a stolen white work van ended in a fatal shooting near Exit 131 on December 28. Kevin Harlfinger, 40, of Perth Amboy, an ex-convict, was identified as the deceased by the Attorney General’s office.
The chase concluded shortly before midnight, leading to a shootout where Harlfinger exchanged fire with Cranford officers, wounding one. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:04 a.m. on December 29. The illegally-owned gun used by Harlfinger was recovered nearby, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.
Pat Colligan, president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, detailed the encounter: “The guy spun out, the Cranford officers pulled up, and the guy basically got out shooting, and the officers returned fire.”
State law mandates a review of all deaths involving law enforcement officers. Platkin emphasized that the investigation, conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), will be impartial and transparent, free of political or personal agendas. The results will be presented to the grand jury upon completion of the investigation.
