By: Richard L. Smith
The Attorney General’s Office of New Jersey is actively investigating a tragic vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday, December 10, in Elizabeth, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The identities of the deceased, an adult male and female, have not been disclosed as of yet.
The incident began when Elizabeth Police Department officers responded to a call at around 5:42 a.m., reporting gunfire near Fourth and Center Streets in Elizabeth.
Officers pursued a vehicle believed to be involved, which subsequently crashed into a taxi at the intersection of Grand Street and Routes 1 and 9.
Tragically, the taxi driver and the sole passenger in the taxi were killed in the collision.
Two occupants from the pursued vehicle were apprehended and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while a third occupant fled the scene on foot and is currently at large.
This case falls under a 2019 law, P.L. 2019, c. 1, which mandates the Attorney General’s Office to investigate any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while in custody.
The law requires such investigations to be presented to a grand jury to assess whether the evidence warrants an indictment against the involved officers.
Additionally, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office is examining potential criminal activities related to the fatal crash and preceding events.
The investigation is still in progress, and no additional information has been given.