Mercer Times

TRENTON — The Attorney General’s Office in New Jersey has launched an investigation into a tragic incident that unfolded in Toms River, Ocean County, on April 19, 2024.

According to the preliminary details, officers from the Island Heights and Toms River Police Departments, along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, were involved in an arrest that led to the death of an adult male civilian. The identity of the deceased individual, who was taken into custody for outstanding warrants, has not been disclosed.

The sequence of events indicates that the male resisted arrest by remaining in his parked vehicle, citing a medical emergency. Despite this, law enforcement officials managed to apprehend him and administer medical aid at the scene. Subsequently, he was rushed to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was later pronounced dead around 2:25 p.m.

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), a law enacted in 2019, the Attorney General’s Office is mandated to investigate deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement officers or while individuals are in custody. The law further stipulates that such investigations must be presented to a grand jury to assess potential indictments against the involved officers.

As the investigation remains ongoing, no additional information has been released to the public at this time.