Police encounter in Lacey Township leaves one person dead, officer injured
LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A police encounter in Ocean County early Monday morning left one person dead and a police officer injured, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. Monday near Hemlock Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township, according to a statement released by Lacey Township Police Chief Paul J. Sullivan Jr.
Officials said the encounter involved officers from the Lacey Township Police Department and resulted in one individual sustaining fatal injuries.
One officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Several additional officers were on scene and were not injured.
Authorities said there is no active or ongoing threat to the public. The area was secured by law enforcement, and residents were asked to avoid the vicinity while the investigation continues.
The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General is investigating the incident and will release updates when appropriate. Officials said they cannot comment on the facts or circumstances of the investigation at this time.
The investigation is being handled by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
Under a 2019 New Jersey law, the Attorney General’s Office is required to investigate deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity or while a person is in custody.
Key Points
- Police encounter reported around 2 a.m. Monday in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township
- One person died during the incident
- A Lacey Township police officer was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries