Mercer Times

The Attorney General’s Office has identified the individuals involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on July 28, 2024. The civilian who died has been named as Victoria G. Lee, 26, of Fort Lee.

According to the preliminary investigation, at approximately 1:25 a.m. on July 28, officers from the Fort Lee Police Department responded to a call at “The Pinnacle” apartment complex on Main Street. A man had called 911 reporting that his sister was experiencing a mental health crisis and needed to be taken to the hospital. The caller mentioned that his sister was holding a knife.

Upon arrival, an officer spoke with the caller outside the apartment unit in the hallway of the building. The officer then opened the apartment door and observed two females inside: Ms. Lee and another woman. They instructed the officer not to enter and shut the door. The officer remained outside knocking and requesting entry as additional officers arrived on scene. When there was no response from inside, officers breached the door.

As Ms. Lee approached them in the hallway, Police Officer Tony Pickens Jr. fired a single shot, hitting Ms. Lee in the chest. Officers provided immediate medical aid before transporting her to Englewood Hospital where she was pronounced dead at approximately 1:58 a.m. A knife was recovered at the scene.

Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), enacted in 2019, any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while in custody must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury to determine if charges should be filed against involved officers.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.