By: Richard L. Smith
A state grand jury has determined not to file criminal charges following its deliberations regarding the tragic deaths of Dishawn Bellamy, 32, and a 17-year-old male, both from Asbury Park, New Jersey.
The fatal incident occurred during a high-speed crash on June 5, 2022, in Neptune Township, after Mr. Bellamy attempted to evade an Asbury Park police vehicle stop.
The investigation into this incident was conducted by the Attorney General's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and then presented to a state grand jury in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.
In July 2021, OPIA implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure these grand jury presentations adhere to neutrality, objectivity, and transparency principles consistent with the Directive.
The comprehensive investigation encompassed interviews with witnesses, examination of photographs, and a thorough review of body-worn and police dashboard camera footage, in addition to autopsy findings provided by the medical examiner.
All of this evidence, including video footage of the incident, was presented before a state grand jury.
After careful consideration of the testimony and evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on Monday, October 16, 2023, by issuing a "no bill." This decision signifies that the grand jury has determined that no criminal charges should be brought against Asbury Park Police Officers Samuel Griffeth and Scott Ritter.
According to the investigation, on June 5, 2022, at 7:16 p.m., Officers Griffeth and Ritter responded to reports of gunfire in the area of Atkins Avenue and Boston Way in Asbury Park.
As they rushed to the scene, a Ford Explorer driven by Mr. Bellamy sped past Officer Ritter's patrol vehicle. Recognizing Mr. Bellamy, who was known to have an active arrest warrant for attempted murder, Officer Ritter radioed Officer Griffeth to halt the vehicle.
Officer Griffeth began following the Explorer, with Officer Ritter following closely behind. The Explorer quickly accelerated, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Although the officers did not match the Explorer's speed, they activated their emergency lights and continued to trail the SUV as it exited the scene.
The pursuit lasted less than a mile, ending when Mr. Bellamy lost control of the vehicle while attempting a left turn, resulting in a rollover and collision with a residence in Neptune Township.