LACEY — New Jersey authorities are investigating a fatal police shooting that occurred early Monday in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township, leaving a woman dead.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) is leading the investigation into the incident, which happened March 16, officials said. The identity of the woman has not yet been released.
According to preliminary findings, officers with the Lacey Township Police Department were dispatched shortly after 2 a.m. to a residence on Hemlock Drive after a 911 call reported a medical emergency.
Investigators say that at about 2:44 a.m., officers encountered the caller outside the home. During the interaction, one officer discharged his service weapon, striking the woman. She was later pronounced dead. Authorities said a knife was recovered at the scene outside the residence.
The investigation remains active, and officials have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Under New Jersey law, the Attorney General’s Office must investigate any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity. The findings from the investigation must be presented to a grand jury, which will determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges against the officer involved.
Additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
