NJ Cop Who Shot Sword-Wielding Man Justified, Jury Finds

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A grand jury has found that a Wayne police lieutenant who shot an armed man earlier this year was justified in doing so, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

On Thursday, officials announced that a grand jury found Wayne Police Lieutenant Doug Itjen justified in using “deadly, but not fatal force” against suspect Connor Darpino, 34, of Wayne.

The case stems from an incident on February 14. That day, Darpino had an altercation with Wayne police following a traffic car crash. Officials said Darpino was “argumentative and combative” with responding officers, leading to his arrest and eventual release on a summons.

Later that evening, just before 10 p.m., police responded to Darpino’s residence after a 911 call said someone had intentionally taken 20 Xanax pills.

When police arrived, Darpino had been on a second-floor balcony holding two swords, saying he would “jump down from the balcony and stab them,” according to officials.

Darpino then ran back inside into an upstairs room, where he began “yelling stuff,” according to Itjen.

It was moments later that Darpino emerged from the room holding the two swords and began advancing towards Itjen.

After giving Darpino several commands to “drop them” (the swords,) Itjen fired seven shots at Darpino, with five hitting him.

Itjen’s body camera footage recording the incident, which was shown to the grand jury, can be seen below: (Editor's Note: This footage contains graphic images that some viewers may find upsetting.)

Darpino was taken to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed to be in “stable condition.”

Darpino was charged with terroristic threats, two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

“Under the law of the State of New Jersey, the use of deadly force on another is justified when the person reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to use deadly force to protect oneself from death or serious bodily harm,” a Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office statement read. “In addition, a person may use force on another to protect a third person when that third person would be justified to use force in self-protection.”