AG’s Office Investigating Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Mantua

MANTUA – The Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation of a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred early this morning in Mantua Township, N.J. One male civilian sustained fatal injuries. His identity is not being released at this time. No other injuries were reported.

According to the preliminary investigation, two uniformed officers of the Mantua Township Police Department arrived at a house on Elm Avenue in Mantua Township at approximately 1:35 a.m. in response to a 911 call. During an encounter outside the house, one police officer fired his service weapon, fatally wounding the man. A .45-caliber handgun was recovered near the man, who was later determined to be the resident of the house.

First aid was rendered by officers. The man was transported to Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:49 a.m.

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.