NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released new details about a fatal crash in Newark that claimed the life of a juvenile pedestrian during an encounter involving a Newark police officer.
According to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, the incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 9.
Investigators said an unmarked Newark Police SUV operated by Sgt. Xavier Pimentel was traveling westbound on Bloomfield Avenue when he observed a sedan traveling eastbound at what authorities described as a high rate of speed.
Sgt. Pimentel made a U-turn on Bloomfield Avenue near Parker Street and began following the sedan, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Moments later, the sedan struck a juvenile pedestrian near the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Mount Prospect Avenue before fleeing the scene.
Instead of continuing after the fleeing vehicle, Sgt. Pimentel stopped to render aid to the injured victim.
The juvenile was pronounced dead at approximately 9:11 p.m. Authorities have not released her identity because she was a minor.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation into the driver of the sedan that struck the victim.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is conducting a separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police encounter, as required under New Jersey law.
Officials said no additional information is being released while both investigations remain active.
- A juvenile pedestrian was struck and killed on Bloomfield Avenue in Newark.
- Investigators say the driver of a speeding sedan fled the scene after the crash.
- Newark Police Sgt. Xavier Pimentel had begun following the sedan moments before the collision.
- The sergeant stopped to render aid to the victim after the crash.
- Separate investigations are being conducted by the Attorney General’s Office and Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Under New Jersey law, the Attorney General’s Office must investigate any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity. Those investigations are presented to a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges against an officer are warranted.
FAQ
What happened in Newark?
A juvenile pedestrian was struck and killed by a speeding sedan on Bloomfield Avenue after a Newark police sergeant began following the vehicle.
Was the police vehicle involved in the collision?
According to the preliminary investigation, the sedan struck the victim. The police SUV did not strike the pedestrian.
What did the officer do after the crash?
Authorities said Sgt. Xavier Pimentel stopped to render aid to the injured pedestrian.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the driver of the sedan, while the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is investigating the police encounter.
Why is the Attorney General investigating?
New Jersey law requires an independent investigation whenever a death occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity.
Sources: New Jersey Attorney General’s Office; Office of Public Integrity and Accountability
