Prosecutor: Man Killed by Cops Pointed Loaded Shotgun at Officer

The Byram Township man who was shot and killed outside his home Wednesday night allegedly pointed his own loaded firearm directly at a police officer, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office said.

At 3:38 p.m. Wednesday, Byram police responded to a Laurel Trail home after a 9-1-1 call was made in reference to shots being fired and that someone may be barricaded inside the home, authorities said.

Six officers from Byram Township arrived on scene as well as two from Andover Township, and all took “protective positions” outside the home, authorities said.

At that time Ronald Neal, 56, came out of the house and confronted the officers. The man was holding a pistol and shotgun, and allegedly repeatedly told officers to shoot him, authorities said.

During the confrontation, Neal got rid of the handgun, which he said wasn’t loaded, authorities said. He then raised the shotgun, which he said was loaded, and pointed the firearm directly at one of the officers, authorities said.

At that time an officer fired one round at Neal and struck him the torso.

Neal was transported to Hackettstown Regional Medical Center by ambulance, and was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. All officers involved were also taken tot he hospital and treated for trauma.

The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the New Jersey State Police and Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office.