Off-Duty Jersey City Police Officer Killed In Crash

JERSEY CITY, NJ — An off-duty Jersey City police officer was killed in a car crash on Friday morning, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

The crash happened before 2 a.m. between Communipaw Avenue and Woodward Street between two cars. The officer was identified as Morton Otondo, 40. He was riding a motorcycle when he collided with a Ford Escape heading west on Communipaw Avenue while the Ford Escape was making a left turn onto Woodward Street, according to the HCPO.

Otondo was rushed to Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Ford Escape, a 30-year-old Jersey City resident, was also transported by EMS to JCMC for evaluation.

Mayor Steven Fulop issued a statement of condolence.

"This is a great loss to the JCPD and the entire Jersey City community. Officer Otundo leaves behind a lasting legacy throughout the entire police department through his two younger brothers, who are also on the force, as well as the many officers with whom he took the time to mentor, sharing his knowledge to help provide guidance and ultimately strengthen the department overall. We send our deepest condolences to Officer Otundo’s family," the statement reads.

Condolence posts and tributes have flooded social media for an Officer Morton Otundo and several posts indicated that Otundo died in a motorcycle accident. City council candidate Chris Gadsden offered condolences alongside Otundo's photo, writing "Prayers of strength to the Jersey City Police Department as we mourn the loss of a servant and brother."

Former Police Officer Alexa Dianne Rosario wrote a post reminiscing on her time with Otundo, filled with photos of the two:

"You would never catch this man without a smile. If you were feeling down he would kick you and literally make you laugh or smile and get you out this funk," the post reads.

The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and Jersey City Police Department are investigating the crash, no charges have been filed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-
915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s official website at
http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.