NJ Boat Theft Suspect Who Died In Police Shooting Is Identified

Officials have identified a man who was fatally shot by police on Wednesday morning after allegedly stealing a sailboat in Jersey City.

The suspect was identified as Brendan Norris, 27, of Clinton Avenue in Newport, R.I.

New Jersey police said the man stole a 40-foot sailboat from Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City on Saturday night around 11 p.m. They released photos of a suspect taken from surveillance video.

On Tuesday, a "private party" asked the Newport, R.I., Harbormaster’s Office to be on the lookout for the stolen boat, police in Newport said in a statement.

Shortly before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the Newport harbormaster saw a similar boat anchored nearby.

Newport police officers and members of the Harbormaster’s Office approached the vessel to investigate, the Newport police said.

"As officers came alongside the vessel, they encountered a male who was on the bow. The man fled below deck despite commands from officers," said Newport police.

Police said the man armed himself with a firearm.

Norris was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.

One Newport police officer was treated at Newport Hospital and was released late Wednesday to recover at home.

Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy said the Rhode Island State Police, the Newport Police Department, and the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office will continue investigating.

"In accordance with standard protocol, all officers who discharged their firearms during the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation," police said.

The New Jersey State Police had posted photos of the theft on social media, but they have since been removed.