Mercer Times

The Attorney General’s Office has released footage from two police body-worn cameras related to the death of Vincent Correa, 44, during a police encounter on March 8, 2024, in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. The incident is under investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).

The release of the recordings follows policies established by the Attorney General’s Office in 2019 aimed at ensuring fair and transparent investigations of fatal police encounters. Investigators had previously met with Mr. Correa’s family to allow them to review the recordings before their public release.

According to preliminary findings, officers from the Hamilton Township Police Department responded to a domestic dispute call at a residence on Orchard Avenue at approximately 10:07 p.m. During the encounter, Mr. Correa exchanged gunfire with Officers Derek Fiabane and Paul Piromalli. Both Officer Fiabane and Mr. Correa were shot. Despite first aid efforts by officers and emergency medical personnel, Mr. Correa was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:38 p.m. A rifle and handgun were recovered from his person. Officer Fiabane sustained non-fatal injuries and has since been released from the hospital.

The recordings are available online.

Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the Attorney General’s Office is mandated to investigate deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity or while individuals are in custody. These investigations must be presented to a grand jury to determine if there is sufficient evidence for an indictment against involved officers.

Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated in New Jersey can be found under the Independent Prosecutor Directive.