Off-Duty State Trooper Fired 3 Shots at Teens Looking to Party

An off-duty New Jersey State Trooper who mistook three teens as suspected home burglars fired three shots at their vehicle in the middle of the night, Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced Wednesday.

The office’s Shooting Response Team is conducting an investigation into the incident that occurred on Whispering Woods Lane in Sparta Township between 1:30 and 2 a.m. Sunday, July 26.

According to Hoffman, the trooper – who is not yet identified – and his wife were awoken by three young men ages 18, 18, and 19 – also unidentified – knocking at the front door. The officer went downstairs to investigate, armed with a personal handgun, Hoffman said.

A verbal exchange through the door led to the teens fleeing the property in their car. The officer believed the teens were trying to enter his home, Hoffman said. The trooper identified himself as such to the teens, Hoffman said, and then pursued them on foot.

The teens got into their car and drove away, turning around on the cul de sac at the end of the street, Hoffman said. As the vehicle came back came back toward the trooper’s home, the officer stepped into the street to try and stop the vehicle, and fired three rounds from his gun, Hoffman said.

One of the bullets struck a front tire, disabling the vehicle, which came to rest a short distance away. One of the teens called his mother and 9-1-1 to report the incident, Hoffman said.

Two of the teens were taken into custody by local police and another fled, but was later located by authorities and taken into custody.

After statements were taken it was revealed the teens were in the area looking for a party at a friend’s home, but knocked on the wrong door, Hoffman said.

No charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing.