Info Released In Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting In Farmingdale

FARMINGDALE, NJ — Authorities are continuing to investigate the fatal shooting Friday night involving a police officer at a home in Farmingdale.

Howell Township Police Chief Andrew Kudrick issued a statement on the shooting on Saturday afternoon, including preliminary details on what happened.

Kudrick said the shooting happened when Howell police answered a 911 call about 10:30 p.m. from a person claiming to be dying after being stabbed by his brother. The caller and the home were in Farmingdale, police said.

The 911 operator immediately relayed the call information to Howell police, and the first officer arrived in three minutes, he said. While Farmingdale is patrolled by New Jersey State Police since the borough does not have its own police department, Howell police assist.

The Howell officer was immediately confronted by an armed man who "refused several commands to drop an object" that police described as bladed. The man refused the command while approaching and challenging the officer.

"The officer was forced to defend himself along with several other involved parties who were present," Kudrick said. The officer fired multiple rounds, striking the man and immediately began life saving efforts on the male. Several more Howell officers arrived and assisted, and New Jersey State Police as well.

Kudrick said Howell police regularly assist New Jersey State Police with calls for service. "This would have been no different if they were to have initially received this 911 call," he said.

Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation. State Police are handling the crime scene and investigation. The Shooting Response Team from the Attorney General’s Office is handling the officer-involved shooting. The Professional Responsibilities Unit of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is also involved as well as Howell Police Internal Affairs, Kudrick said.

"As with any officer-involved shooting, those involved will be placed in an administrative capacity until resolution of the investigation. As per AG policy, the name of the officer is withheld until the investigation is substantially complete," he said.

"As the Chief of Police, I can only release limited information in this case. This is because of jurisdictional authority and to uphold the integrity of the investigation. This includes the rights of the involved officers," he said.

"Although the final disposition of this case rests with the AG’s office, I publicly commend my officer for taking the necessary and immediate action to end the deadly threat he was presented with. Without doubt, he saved additional loss of life. I have the confidence Howell officers abided by policy and upheld the integrity of their position and the trust of the community," Kudrick saod.

He said the release of additional information will give people "a better understanding the violent, dangerous and highly emotional environment encountered by the involved officers."

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