Mocobizscene- According to a statement released by the office of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin in Trenton, Kevin Harlfinger, a 40-year-old ex-convict from Perth Amboy, was driving a stolen white work van that Cranford officers were pursuing. The van eventually crashed near Exit 131 shortly before midnight on December 28th.
In the confrontation, Harlfinger engaged in a gunfight with the officers, injuring one of them, according to authorities. The authorities declared him deceased on the spot at 12:04 a.m. on December 29th.
According to Platkin, law enforcement officials were able to recover the illegally-owned gun that Harlfinger used in close proximity to the scene.
“The individual lost control of his vehicle, and upon the arrival of Cranford officers, he immediately began shooting. In response, the officers fired back, resulting in the unfortunate death of the suspect,” explained Pat Colligan, the president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association.
According to state law and his own guidelines, Platkin is obligated to review deaths that occur “during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody,” regardless of the specific circumstances.
Platkin has emphasized that the guidelines ensure a thorough, unbiased, and transparent investigation, free from political influence or personal motivations.
The attorney general’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) team will present the findings of their investigation to the grand jury fairly and unbiasedly, ensuring transparency, said the spokesperson.
After reviewing the details, the panel will decide on the adequacy of the incident’s management.
During the initial stages, the defendant’s family will be provided with the police body camera footage and any other relevant images of the incident. Subsequently, these materials will also be made available to the public.
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