'Devastated:' Many Grieve After NJ Officer Killed In Car Chase

NEWARK – Omar Martin was a big man with a big smile, something his friends and co-workers will miss seeing every day.

Many appreciated his good nature because of where he was: He was a corrections officer who worked the center control booth at Northern State Prison. He could bring a certain joy to a place that wasn't always known for it.

"He was generally a happy guy. He worked control booth. All the cops on second shift would see him coming in and when they went home," said William Sullivan, executive vice president of PBA Local 105.

Now the man whom many relied on for his good will is gone, the victim in the tragic end of a car chase.

An investigation is now underway after the fatal motor vehicle crash occurred this weekend in Newark when police pursued a vehicle that crashed into a car driven by Martin, fatally injuring him, according to a release from the Office of Attorney General.

Martin was in a Ford Mustang, a car that Sullivan said he loved. It was part of his upbeat nature to have a cool car.

"They all said he was always smiling. Quiet guy who kept to himself. He had 12 years on the job," he said.

Sullivan said the union has also started a GoFundMe page to help out his family and whatever costs need to be addressed.

The accident happened when an officer of the Hillside Police Department was in pursuit of a Nissan Altima occupied by three men at approximately 2:37 a.m. at Bragaw Avenue and Aldine Street on Saturday, the release said.

The fleeing car struck Martin's Ford Mustang broadside, pushing it into a utility pole. Martin, who was trapped in his car, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release. There were no other occupants in his car.

Two of the men from the other car were taken to University Hospital in Newark with injuries that are not life-threatening. The third was taken to the Hillside Police Department.

Sullivan said his fellow officers will continue to remember him for what he did for them.

"Many do get beat down and disgruntled but for the most part happy people like Omar made your day better," he said.