Grand Jury Votes To Not Press Charges Against Asbury Park Officer

ASBURY PARK, NJ – A state grand jury voted on Monday not to file any criminal charges against Asbury Park Police Officer James R. Crawford regarding the death of James Manzo, 27, of Asbury Park, N.J., who Crawford shot and killed on July 23, 2019.

The incident was investigated by the state’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), who presented it to the grand jury. The investigation of this officer-involved shooting included interviews of witnesses, collection of forensic evidence, review of body-worn camera footage, and autopsy results.

After hearing all the testimony and evidence, the grand jury found that the officer who shot Manzo was justified, and no charges should be filed.

According to the investigation, the shooting occurred at approximately 10:19 p.m. at Manzo’s residence on 305 7th Avenue. The Asbury Park Police Department responded to a report that Manzo was behaving erratically and threatened another person.

Upon arrival, officers entered the building and attempted to talk to Manzo. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain information from Manzo, an officer tried to enter Manzo’s room. Manzo immediately attempted to stab the officer with a pair of scissors, causing Officer Crawford to fatally wounding him.

Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered first aid, and Manzo was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:52 p.m.