61-year-old man died days after being handcuffed during Franklin Township response
Franklin Township, NJ – The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is investigating the death of a man who suffered a medical episode while being detained by police earlier this month in Hunterdon County.
Authorities identified the man as 61-year-old Steven Fitzpatrick of Pittstown. The incident occurred March 10 on Locust Grove Road, where Franklin Township police responded to a report of a domestic dispute involving threats of a firearm.
According to officials, Officer Tyler Sutton arrived at the scene around 10:07 a.m. and was speaking with a 911 caller when Fitzpatrick returned to the property in a vehicle matching the description provided.
Medical episode occurred during detention
“While the three officers handcuffed Mr. Fitzpatrick, he suffered an apparent medical episode,” the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability stated.
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Additional officers, including Franklin Township Officer Mitchell Molina and Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective John Laurencelle, were assisting at the time.
Key Points
- 61-year-old Steven Fitzpatrick died after March 10 police encounter
- Medical episode occurred while officers were placing him in handcuffs
- State Attorney General’s Office leading investigation into incident
State law requires independent investigation
Officials said officers immediately rendered aid before Fitzpatrick was transported to Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington. He was pronounced dead on March 15.
“The circumstances of the encounter and cause and manner of death are under investigation,” the Attorney General’s Office said.
Under New Jersey law, deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury to determine whether any charges are warranted.
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