State IDs Scooter Driver Killed During Police Chase In Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE, NJ – The Attorney General’s office has released the name of the moped driver who was killed during a police chase in Woodbridge.

AG Matthew Platkin said Joseph E. Acevedo-Rodriguez, 26, of Elizabeth, died in Woodbridge following an attempted traffic stop by Perth Amboy police on July 6.

Around 12:05 a.m. Lt. Jose M. Pais of the Perth Amboy Police Department attempted to stop three people riding motorized scooters near State Street and High Street.

After activating his emergency lights and siren, two riders fled the scene while Acevedo-Rodriguez initially pulled over before accelerating and driving away at high speed toward Woodbridge, Platkin said.

Lt. Pais pursued the scooter until it crossed into Woodbridge Township, at which point he deactivated his emergency equipment, made a U-turn, and returned to Perth Amboy.

Approximately a quarter-mile north on State Street, between Arbor Street and Ferry Street, Woodbridge police responded to a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle crash. Officers discovered Acevedo-Rodriguez in the roadway with his scooter some distance away. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Platkin said.

The investigation remains active, and officials did not release additional details.

Under state law, the Attorney General's Office must investigate any death that occurs during an encounter with law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity or while someone is in custody.

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