By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County correctional police officer was found dead from a gunshot wound this afternoon in the parking lot of the Essex County Jail, authorities confirmed.
According to preliminary reports, police responded to a report of shots fired at the facility around 4 p.m. on Doremus Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the correctional officer, identified as Joseph ‘Joey’ Hernandez, with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators believe the injury was self-inflicted, and no foul play is suspected at this time.
Additional details have not been released as the investigation remains active.