The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is investigating the death of a civilian following a March 10 encounter with law enforcement officers in Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, according to a March 20 statement. The deceased has been identified as Steven Fitzpatrick, 61, of Pittstown.
The investigation concerns public safety and legal oversight during interactions between civilians and law enforcement. According to the preliminary findings, Officer Tyler Sutton from the Franklin Township Police Department responded to a property on Locust Grove Road after a report that a family member had threatened to return with a firearm. While speaking with the caller, Officer Sutton saw Fitzpatrick drive onto the property. Sutton ordered Fitzpatrick out of his vehicle for detention and a weapons search. Officers Mitchell Molina and Detective John Laurencelle arrived to assist. During handcuffing, Fitzpatrick suffered an apparent medical episode. Officers provided aid until emergency personnel transported him to Hunterdon Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on March 15.
The circumstances surrounding the incident and the cause of death remain under investigation. No further information has been released at this time.
N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2) requires that any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while in custody be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment consideration.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support according to the official website. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey according to the official website and influences public safety through law enforcement oversight according to the official website. It holds authority across the state for enforcing laws, prosecuting offenses, and regulating public safety matters according to the official website. Services include state legal representation, crime lab support, victim advocacy, consumer protection initiatives according to the official website, as well as functioning as an agency focused on justice and public safety statewide according to the official website.
As this investigation continues under statutory requirements for transparency in police-involved deaths, observers will await further updates from authorities.
