ORANGE, NJ – A police pursuit involving New Jersey State Police troopers ended in gunfire Sunday afternoon, leaving one man dead and another in custody.
The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. near South Center Street and Freeway Drive West, after troopers from the Meadowlands Station initiated a chase of a vehicle wanted in connection with a felony.
The pursuit stretched from Route 3 into Orange, where the fleeing vehicle came to a stop and troopers discharged their weapons.
Key Points
- A vehicle pursuit involving New Jersey State Police ended with one man fatally shot and another arrested.
- No troopers were reported injured in the incident.
- The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has taken over the investigation under state directive.
Pursuit begins on Route 3
According to preliminary reports, troopers began chasing a vehicle with New Jersey registration D44EYW around 2:07 p.m. near the South Connector Roadway by Route 3 westbound. The vehicle, believed to be connected to a felony offense, continued into Essex County before coming to a stop in Orange.
At the scene, troopers confronted the suspects, and gunfire was exchanged. One male suspect was pronounced deceased at the location, while a second individual was taken into custody without reported injuries.
Troopers uninjured, investigation underway
Authorities confirmed that no state troopers were injured during the incident. Detective I. R. Keller, identified in internal documentation as the trooper who discharged his weapon, has not been publicly named by the Attorney General’s Office, which is now leading the investigation.
Attorney General’s Office assumes oversight
Under Attorney General Directive 2019-4, known as the Independent Prosecutor Directive, the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) automatically assumes control of investigations involving the New Jersey State Police.
Officials from the Attorney General’s Office stated that one male civilian was injured and that details about the troopers involved will not be released until the investigation progresses.
Major Crimes Unit assisting
The New Jersey State Police Major Crimes Unit, along with the OPIA and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, is assisting with the ongoing investigation. Authorities emphasized that all findings remain preliminary and subject to change as new information becomes available.