WOODBRIDGE, N.J. — The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Sunday involving a motorized scooter rider who fled from a police traffic stop in Perth Amboy before crashing in nearby Woodbridge Township.
According to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), the incident began around 12:05 a.m. when a lieutenant with the Perth Amboy Police Department attempted to stop three individuals riding motorized scooters near State Street and High Street. The officer activated his lights and siren, prompting two riders to flee. The third initially slowed and pulled to the shoulder before accelerating and driving away at high speed.
The officer pursued the third scooter northbound on State Street until the vehicles entered Woodbridge Township. At that point, the lieutenant turned off his lights and siren, made a U-turn, and returned to Perth Amboy, the OPIA said.
Shortly afterward, Woodbridge police received a 911 call reporting a crash about a quarter mile further up State Street, between Arbor Street and Ferry Street. Responding officers located the scooter rider in the roadway with his vehicle found some distance away. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity of the deceased has not been released. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been provided.
Under state law N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the Attorney General’s Office is required to investigate any death occurring during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity, including pursuit situations.
The incident will be presented to a grand jury to determine whether charges are warranted.
