Grand jury clears Brick Township officers in 2024 death of man found in street
Trenton, NJ – A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against Brick Township police officers involved in the May 2024 death of a man who collapsed following an encounter with officers on a residential street.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office announced Wednesday that the panel returned a “no bill” on Sept. 8 after reviewing evidence in the case of 36-year-old Robert Gotts of Brick. Gotts died at Ocean University Medical Center on May 9, 2024, after being restrained and moved from the street by officers responding to reports of a naked man in distress.
Officers Joseph McGrath, Mark Nixon, and Sgt. Jeffrey Person were dispatched to Wisteria Drive and Vermont Drive around 4:27 p.m. that day. According to investigators, Gotts was handcuffed and moved to a grassy area while EMS responded. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:48 p.m.
The medical examiner ruled the death an accident, citing drug intoxication as the cause.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability presented evidence to the grand jury, including body camera footage, witness interviews, and autopsy results. In accordance with state law, the footage was shared with Gotts’ family before its public release.
While no criminal charges will be filed, the case will undergo administrative review in line with state internal affairs policy.
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Key Points
- Grand jury voted against charges in the May 2024 death of Robert Gotts in Brick Township
- Medical examiner determined cause of death was drug intoxication, manner was accidental
- Body camera footage from the incident has been publicly released after review with the family
