By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Passaic County announced that officials released the body worn camera footage of a police-involved shooting that occurred on February 14 in Wayne.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. stated this footage is being released pursuant to New Jersey Attorney General Directive 2019-4, Section II. E.
The individual who was shot has been identified as Connor Darpino, 34, of Wayne, PCPO officials say. 
According to Passaic County officials, the officer who fired his service weapon has been identified as Wayne Police Lieutenant Douglas Itjen. The preliminary investigation found that on February 14, Wayne Police responded to a single-car collision.
The driver of the vehicle was Connor Darpino, PCPO authorities stated.
In the ensuing interaction, Connor Darpino became argumentative and combative with a responding officer. He was arrested, charged on a Summons Complaint, and released from Wayne Police Headquarters, Passaic County officials.
PCPO officials said later on February 14, shortly before 10 p.m., a 911 caller reported a man intentionally took approximately twenty Xanax pills.
When Wayne Police arrived on the scene, Connor Darpino emerged on the second-floor balcony with two swords. In the ensuing interaction, he stated to the officers on scene that he would jump down from the balcony and stab them, according to Passaic County officials.
Passaic County authorities say he retreated to a second-floor room and closed the door. Wayne Police secured the perimeter of the residence and contacted dispatch to advise them of a barricaded subject and to request additional support.
Shortly thereafter, Connor Darpino emerged from the second-floor room with two swords, one in each hand, PCPO officials stated. Officers on scene gave him verbal commands to drop the swords.
Connor Darpino did not drop the swords. He descended the stairs quickly, moving at a fast pace, with the two swords extended, according to Passaic County officials.
According to Passaic County officials, Lieutenant Itjen fired his service weapon seven times, striking Connor Darpino five times. Wayne Police immediately rendered aid to Connor Darpino, who was transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.
Connor Darpino has been charged with one count of third-degree possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of third-degree Terroristic Threats, two counts of fourth degree Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and one count of fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, PCPO authorities said.
These charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty, Passaic County officials say. The defendant has been released from custody on pretrial monitoring.
The defendant is represented on these charges by Alissa D. Hascup, Esq. of Denville, New Jersey. Pursuant to New Jersey Attorney General Directive 2019-4, the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability was notified, according to PCPO authorities.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office was designated the independent prosecutor for this officer-involved shooting.
According to Passaic County officials, the investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been released at this time. Under Directive 2019-4, once completed this investigation will be presented to a Grand Jury, which will determine whether the officer’s use of deadly force was justified under the law.
The video of the footage can be found here, Passaic County officials stated. Please be advised this footage contains images and language of a graphic nature.