Grand Jury Clears Edison Cop Accused Of Putting Mental Health Patient In Chokehold

EDISON, NJ — A Middlesex County grand jury voted not to file any criminal charges against Edison Police Officer Christopher Siedenburg, regarding the alleged use of deadly but non-fatal force during an encounter with a woman, the Middlesex County prosecutor said.

According to the investigation, on Aug. 3, 2022, at 11:21 a.m., several Edison Township Police Officers responded to the report of an individual who was being transported via ambulance from a hospital to a mental health facility.

The woman had escaped from an ambulance and ran from EMS personnel.

After the woman exited the ambulance, she was pursued and located in a nearby doctor’s office. When the woman was located, she failed to cooperate with law enforcement’s efforts to return her to the ambulance.

After being brought under control, she was placed back into the ambulance for transport. Thereafter, it was reported to law enforcement that Siedenburg allegedly utilized a chokehold when encountering the woman at the doctor’s office.

Siedenburg’s alleged use of deadly but non-fatal force was investigated by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) and supervised by the NJ Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

The investigation was presented to Middlesex County residents serving on a county grand jury, in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office’s 2019 Independent Prosecutor Directive (the “Directive”).

The investigation included witness statements, a collection of body worn camera footage, and police reports, including use of force reports. This evidence was presented to the grand jury. After hearing testimony and reviewing the evidence, the grand jury vote to “no bill” criminal charges, meaning the grand jurors concluded no criminal charges should be filed against Siedenburg.

A conflicts check was conducted pursuant to the Directive and no actual or potential conflict of interest was found involving any individual assigned to the investigation.

Prior to presentation to the grand jury, the investigation was reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, in accordance with policies and procedures established for these presentations. The matter was presented to the grand jury by Middlesex County First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet.

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