Passaic Co. Police-Involved Shooting Under State Investigation: AG

PATERSON, NJ — A police-involved shooting in Paterson on Monday left one civilian dead, resulting in an investigation from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

The state Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability opens an investigation anytime a fatal police-involved shooting is reported.

At around 4:12 p.m., a driver involved in a car crash near Straight and Van Houten Streets began attempting to enter several vehicles while fleeing the scene, police said. The driver was armed with what appeared to be a handgun, police added.

Following a foot chase involving an officer of the Paterson Police Department, the officer fired his service weapon during a confrontation with the driver.

He was pronounced deceased at the scene at 4:23 p.m., officials said.

“An object that appeared to be a firearm was recovered near the driver’s body,” the Attorney General’s Office said.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information is being released at this time, officials said.

The announcement of the investigation came hours before another fatal officer-involved shooting in Cherry Hill. One male civilian died as a result of the shooting, the Attorney General’s Office said.