CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — A New Jersey State Police detective was convicted on Thursday for his role in a deadly motorcycle crash in 2023 along a Burlington County road, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said.
Mark Campagna, 47, of Mays Landing, was charged with fourth-degree endangering another person by a Camden County jury after he "knowingly engaged in conduct which created a substantial risk of serious bodily injury."
On June 20, 2023, Campagna encountered Omar Kebbabi, 24, of Queens, along Route 206.
Campagna was not on a scheduled shift, but was driving an unmarked take-home State Police vehicle at the time.
He began to follow Kebbabi, who was driving a motorcycle, while trying to get his plate number. Campagna said he was never going to pull him over.
A chase that at times reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour then ensued, authorities said.
Campagna never contacted law enforcement during the pursuit, as is required by the Attorney General's vehicular pursuit policy.
He also never activated his lights or sirens.
"There is no evidence showing any lawful objective behind this pursuit," Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. "The defendant was not on duty. He never turned on his lights or sirens in an attempt to end the chase and effectuate a traffic stop."
After following him through multiple lane changes, Kebbabi crashed with another vehicle at the intersection of Route 206 and Jacksonville-Jobstown Road (County Road 670) at around 5 p.m.
The other driver was trying to make a left turn at the time. Both had the green light.
A Springfeld Township police officer gave medical aid to Kebbabi, who was later declared dead at the scene.
The other driver's injuries were non-critical, officials said.
Campagna's interaction with Kebbabi was caught on multiple surveillance videos and a municipal police officer's mobile video recorder after the official was unsure if Campagna was a part of law enforcement.
On Thursday, the Attorney General's Office released the footage from that encounter.
"This was a needless and reckless high-speed chase that put not only the victim, but also every other driver on the road, in grave danger. And it ended in tragedy," said Davenport.
Campagna faces a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
By law, his police certification has also been revoked.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 30.
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