Retired Newark Cop Shoots Himself At Bloomfield Police HQ: ECPO

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A retired Newark police officer apparently committed suicide at Bloomfield police headquarters on Tuesday night, authorities said.

Retired Newark Police Lt. Patrick Montella, 58, of Bloomfield, was arrested on Jan. 15 after allegedly committing an “act of domestic violence,” according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

While awaiting his expected release on a summons, Montella shot himself inside the Bloomfield Police Department building, prosecutors said.

Emergency responders transported Montella to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead at 1:16 a.m. on Jan. 16.

A police investigation is ongoing, prosecutors said. No additional details – including how the former officer had a gun in his possession at the time of the shooting – were immediately available.

Bloomfield town officials referred Patch to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office for comment.

People experiencing suicidal thoughts can find support at the below resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Tlc4teens.org: A website created by the Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth, which includes organizations, hotlines and relevant articles that have been vetted by TLC
• Call or text 2NDFLOOR — a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey youth and young adults, ages 10 to 24, at 888-222-2228. It is staffed 24 hours a day.
• NJ Hopeline: 855-NJ-HOPELINE at 855-654-6735

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