The Attorney General’s Office has released the identities of those involved in a fatal crash on July 6, 2025, in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. The deceased civilian is Joseph E. Acevedo-Rodriguez, 26, from Elizabeth, New Jersey. The officer involved is Lieutenant Jose M. Pais of the Perth Amboy Police Department.
The preliminary investigation indicates that at around 12:05 a.m., three individuals were riding motorized scooters near State Street and High Street in Perth Amboy when Lieutenant Pais attempted to stop them using his marked police vehicle with activated lights and siren. Two riders left the scene while Mr. Acevedo-Rodriguez initially pulled over but then sped away northbound.
Lieutenant Pais pursued the moped until they crossed into Woodbridge. He then deactivated his vehicle’s lights and sirens, made a U-turn, and returned to Perth Amboy. Shortly after, Woodbridge police responded to a crash call on State Street between Arbor Street and Ferry Street where Mr. Acevedo-Rodriguez was found dead at the scene.
The investigation continues with no further details available currently.
Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the Attorney General’s Office must investigate deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement officers or while in custody. These investigations are presented to a grand jury to decide if charges against officers are warranted.
Further information about such investigations under the Independent Prosecutor Directive can be accessed through official channels.
