Cop Hits, Kills Pedestrian While Leaving Parking Lot: Passaic Prosecutor

PATERSON, NJ — A Newark man died Monday evening after being struck by a Paterson officer who was leaving the police station's parking lot, officials said.

The collision happened shortly before 7 p.m. as the officer was exiting the Paterson Police Department lot on Memorial Drive, said Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and PPD Officer-In-Charge Isa Abbassi on Tuesday.

Authorities said the officer remained at the scene and tried to help the man, who had injuries to his arm and head. First responders transported the 51-year-old to St. Joseph's University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The victim and the officer have not yet been identified. A news release from the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office did not mention if the officer was on-duty and in a marked car, or leaving the police station in a personal vehicle.

Law enforcement sources told the Paterson Press that the officer had just finished a work shift.

An investigation into the collision is active and ongoing, and officials say they will release more information as it becomes available. Anyone who might have more information about the incident is asked to contact the Prosecutor's Office tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org, or contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.