By: Yuritza Arroyo
Somerset County authorities announced an ongoing homicide investigation in Franklin Township (Somerset County).
According to officials, on Thursday, May 11, at approximately 9:56 p.m., Franklin Township Police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a shooting in the area of Rose Street and Sydney Place, Somerset.
Franklin Township Police said Responding Officers encountered an adult male taxi driver suffering from a gunshot wound. The taxi had come to rest after crashing into a parked vehicle in a driveway of a residence on Sydney Place.
Franklin Township Police Officers, along with Emergency Medical Personnel from an area Trauma Center, responded to the scene and performed life-saving measures on the victim, who was subsequently identified as Kofi Addo, age 57, North Brunswick.
According to Police, Mr. Addo was transported to an area Trauma Center where he was pronounced deceased.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that Mr. Addo while operating a local taxi, responded to the area of Rose Street to pick up a fare.
Authorities say upon arrival, Mr. Addo was confronted by the suspect(s) while inside the taxi and was subsequently shot.
The unknown suspects fled from the scene on foot.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that authorities are requesting the public’s assistance and asking area residents to contact authorities if they encountered any individuals in the aforementioned areas acting in a suspicious manner. Preliminary motive indicates robbery.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner will perform a post-mortem examination to determine the cause and manner of death.