The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability identified on Mar. 20 the civilian and police officer involved in a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on March 16 in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township, New Jersey. The deceased has been named as Susanne Clarke, 55, of Lacey, while the officer involved is Dallas Gant of the Lacey Township Police Department.
The case is significant because it falls under state law requiring independent investigation and grand jury review when a death occurs during an encounter with law enforcement. According to the preliminary investigation, officers responded to a residence on Hemlock Drive after a 911 call about a medical event. During an encounter outside the home at approximately 2:44 a.m., Officer Gant fired his service weapon at Ms. Clarke, who was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:24 a.m. A knife was recovered outside the home.
The Attorney General’s Office said, “The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.”
New Jersey law mandates that all deaths involving law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment consideration.
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey according to its official website. It also influences public safety through law enforcement oversight across the state according to its official website.
The Attorney General holds authority to enforce laws, prosecute offenses, regulate public safety matters under statutory mandate according to its official website. Services include state legal representation, crime lab support, victim advocacy, consumer protection initiatives according to its official website, and broader responsibilities related to justice and public safety across New Jersey according to its official website.
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated in New Jersey under the Independent Prosecutor Directive can be found through resources provided by the Attorney General’s Office.
