HUDSON COUNTY — In response to a video that showed police allegedly kicking and dragging someone from a fiery car crash after a long pursuit through Jersey City this weekend, the Hudson County Prosecutor said on Thursday that the matter is being investigated.
“There have been many inquiries about a video being utilized by several media outlets concerning Sunday night’s police involved shooting in Jersey City,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez in a release issued to the press. “I’d like to thank the individual who came forward with this video and I’d like the public to know that we welcome their help. This video is now part of all the evidence we are considering as we investigate the actions of all individuals who were involved with the events of Sunday night in Jersey City. Our investigators have reviewed the video and we believe with certainty that this man is the bystander from West New York who suffered burns, <b>not</b> the individual pursued by police. As I previously said, we will utilize all resources available to the Prosecutor’s Office for a full and thorough investigation as we seek to bring this matter to a rightful conclusion.”
Suarez encouraged any of readers or viewers with video or information about this incident, however insignificant, to contact the Prosecutor’s office. Investigators can be reached at 201-915-1345 or video can be sent to hcpo@hcpo.org. To leave an anonymous tip for the Prosecutor’s Office, go to hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/ . All information will be kept confidential.”
Police officials said a 48-year-old suspect led police on a six-mile chase from the Greenville section of Jersey City to the Jersey City Heights.
Police fired a number of shots at the man’s car during the pursuit. The pursuit ended in a fiery crash.
City officials said they had “serious concerns” with how the police conducted the pursuit.
“This investigation was immediately turned over to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, as we do with any incidents in which an officer discharges his or her weapon or uses deadly force and as is required by attorney general guidelines. We have serious concerns about the conduct of this pursuit; however, we are reserving judgment until the conclusion of the prosecutor’s investigation,” said city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill. “To be clear, we are working with the HCPO and are in the process of identifying the officers on this video. Once we clearly identify all the officers involved we will be seeking termination in addition to any possible criminal penalties in appropriate cases.”
Mayor Steven Fulop also Tweeted about the video on Wednesday night, calling the behavior shown “unacceptable.”
