The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) has released video footage and a 911 call related to a fatal crash that occurred on July 6, 2025, in Woodbridge Township. The incident involved Joseph E. Acevedo-Rodriquez, 26, of Elizabeth, who died following an attempted motor vehicle stop by Perth Amboy Police Lieutenant Jose M. Pais.
According to the OPIA, the release of these materials follows policies established in 2019 to ensure transparency in investigations involving fatal police encounters. Investigators have met with representatives of Mr. Acevedo-Rodriquez’s family to review the recordings.
Preliminary findings indicate that around 12:05 a.m., three individuals were riding motorized scooters near State Street and High Street in Perth Amboy when Lieutenant Pais attempted a traffic stop using his vehicle’s lights and siren. Two riders left the scene while Mr. Acevedo-Rodriguez initially pulled over but then accelerated away at high speed heading northbound.
Lieutenant Pais followed until crossing into Woodbridge, where he turned off his lights and siren before returning to Perth Amboy. Shortly after, Woodbridge police responded to a report of a crash about a quarter mile north on State Street between Arbor Street and Ferry Street. Officers found Mr. Acevedo-Rodriguez deceased at the scene after what appeared to be a single-vehicle accident.
The investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released at this time.
Under state law N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the Attorney General’s Office must investigate deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity or while the individual is in custody. These cases are presented to a grand jury for review regarding possible indictment of involved officers.
Further information about how such investigations are conducted can be found through resources on the Independent Prosecutor Directive.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin oversees legal and public-safety responsibilities throughout New Jersey, including enforcement actions like this investigation (official website). The agency works statewide across all counties and municipalities (official website), aiming to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards (official website). Its authority includes law enforcement oversight, prosecution of offenses, crime lab support, victim advocacy, consumer protection initiatives, and regulation of public safety matters under its statutory mandate (official website).
