By: Richard L. Smith
Four individuals connected to a violent incident that led to the shooting of a New Jersey State Police detective in 2020 have been sentenced in Salem County Superior Court, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).
The sentencings, handed down by Judge Russell A. DePersia on April 1, stem from the events at Harding Woods mobile home park in Pittsgrove, where Detective Richard Hershey was shot while investigating a brutal home invasion.
The individuals sentenced include:
- Markese Rogers (pictured), 30, of Pittsgrove – five years in state prison
- Noel Lazu (pictured), 25, of Bridgeton – three years in prison
- Imari Lazu, 27, of Bridgeton – three years in prison
- Ashley Acevedo Diaz (pictured), 27, of Bridgeton – two years of probation, including nine months in county jail
A fifth defendant, Shakeem Waters (pictured), 36, of Bridgeton, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11.
As part of negotiated plea deals, Rogers, Waters, and Noel Lazu admitted to conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, while Acevedo Diaz pleaded guilty to riot. Imari Lazu had previously admitted to witness tampering. 
Their criminal actions were tied to a violent group confrontation that unfolded after a home invasion and assault earlier that day.
On April 25, 2020, Detective Hershey was interviewing witnesses at the crime scene when a caravan of vehicles arrived carrying around 15 individuals.
Prosecutors said the group, coordinated by Noel Lazu, came armed and intended to launch another assault targeting a family member of the earlier victim.
Despite Hershey identifying himself as law enforcement and issuing commands, several individuals confronted him.
When he drew his weapon to protect himself and nearby witnesses, three gunmen opened fire. Over a dozen shots were fired, and Hershey was hit in the hip. Several rounds struck nearby homes.
The detective, seriously injured, managed to return fire. He was transported to Cooper University Hospital and later recovered and returned to active duty.
Three men—Tremaine Hadden, Najzeir Hutchings, and Kareen Warner—were previously convicted or pleaded guilty for firing at the detective. 
Hadden was sentenced to 37 years in prison, while Hutchings received 13 years and Warner seven.
“These sentencings send a clear message that violence against law enforcement and in our communities will not be tolerated,” said OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner.
The investigation and prosecutions were led by OPIA in coordination with the New Jersey State Police.