Knife recovered after fatal police shooting in Lanoka Harbor
LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A woman was fatally shot during an early-morning encounter with a police officer in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township, prompting an investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on March 16 at a residence on Hemlock Drive.
Authorities said officers were dispatched to the home in response to a 911 call reporting a medical event. During an encounter with the caller outside the residence at approximately 2:44 a.m., an officer fired his service weapon, striking the woman.
She was later pronounced dead.
Officials said a knife was recovered outside the home where the encounter took place.
The identity of the woman has not been released.
The New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is leading the investigation. Under state law, the Attorney General’s Office must investigate deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity.
The case will ultimately be presented to a grand jury to determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges against the officer involved.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and no additional details are being released at this time.
Key Points
- Woman fatally shot during police encounter in Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township
- Incident happened shortly before 3 a.m. on Hemlock Drive
- Officers had responded to a 911 call reporting a medical event