Mercer Times

The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability has released video footage related to the death of a civilian following a police encounter in Toms River, New Jersey. The incident occurred on April 19, 2024, and involved John Cassidy, 47, also from Toms River.

The investigation into this fatal encounter is being conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). The release of these recordings follows policies set by the Attorney General’s Office in 2019 aimed at ensuring fair and transparent investigations into fatal police encounters. Mr. Cassidy's family was given an opportunity to review the footage before it was made public.

According to initial findings, Island Heights Police Officers Peter Muscarella, Dominique D’Amico-Violante, and Lt. Paul Rutledge attempted to arrest Mr. Cassidy around 1:00 p.m. on April 19 at a gas station on Route 37 due to active warrants. Mr. Cassidy reportedly re-entered his vehicle against officers' instructions and refused to exit for approximately 25 minutes. Officers from Toms River Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff's Office then assisted in removing Mr. Cassidy from his car and handcuffing him on the ground.

Shortly after being restrained, Mr. Cassidy experienced a medical episode. On-scene officers provided medical assistance until emergency personnel arrived and took over care. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River but was pronounced dead at approximately 2:25 p.m.

Under New Jersey law N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the Attorney General’s Office must investigate deaths occurring during police encounters or while individuals are in custody. These investigations are presented to a grand jury to decide if charges should be brought against involved officers.

The investigation remains ongoing with no additional information available at this time.