Mercer Times

The Attorney General’s Office has identified the individuals involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 27, 2024, in Keansburg, New Jersey. The civilian who succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident was Willem Roman, 46, of Keansburg.

According to preliminary findings, officers from the Keansburg Police Department were dispatched at approximately 1:07 p.m. to a residence on Seabreeze Way for a welfare check. Upon entering the residence, officers encountered Mr. Roman, who was armed with several weapons and wielding a running chainsaw. As Mr. Roman advanced towards the officers with the chainsaw, Patrolman John Swartz deployed a taser while Patrolman Tyler Manges fired his service weapon, striking Mr. Roman.

Officers and emergency medical personnel administered aid to Mr. Roman before he was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. Initially listed in critical but stable condition, Mr. Roman was pronounced deceased on June 14, 2024.

The investigation remains ongoing and no further details are being disclosed at this time.

Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), enacted in 2019, the Attorney General’s Office is mandated to investigate any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while the individual is in custody. These investigations must be presented to a grand jury to determine whether evidence supports indicting the involved officer or officers.