Newark Cop Accused Of Fatally Striking Fellow Officer With Car

NEWARK, NJ — An off-duty police sergeant in Newark has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide after he allegedly struck and killed a fellow officer with his car last month, authorities announced Thursday.

Jairo Rodriguez, 53, a traffic control officer with the Newark Police Department, was hit by a car at 12:42 a.m. on Dec. 11 while directing traffic on Lafayette Street near the Prudential Center, authorities previously said.

Officers found Rodriguez unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to University Hospital and pronounced dead at 1:37 a.m.

The driver – later identified as Sgt. Victor Ortiz, 34, of the Newark Police Department – remained at the scene. He was transported to Saint Michael’s Medical Center for treatment.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has released an update about the ensuing investigation, noting that Ortiz has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

Ortiz, a Hillside resident, surrendered to the Essex County Prosecutor’s office on Thursday morning. He is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark pending a court appearance.

In the wake of Rodriguez’s death, the city’s mayor and public safety director each praised the traffic control officer’s contributions to Newark and dedication to his beat.

Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said Rodriguez was “highly respected and beloved” by all who worked with him.

“He joined the Newark Department of Public Safety in 2022 and, due to his consistent demeanor of kindness, warmth and sincerity, he was immediately embraced as a dear Brother in Blue,” Miranda said.

“As a traffic control officer, he faithfully directed traffic and monitored the city’s bus lanes and parking meters,” Miranda continued. “Before joining us, he worked at Prudential Arena, where his reputation for impeccable service remains legendary.”

“We deeply mourn this incredible loss and pray for the comfort and strength of his wife and two daughters,” Miranda said.

“This tragic news is heartbreaking on so many levels,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“The pain of losing a public servant committed to keeping drivers and pedestrians safe is difficult enough,” Baraka said. “But learning that TCO Rodriguez was struck while on duty – directing traffic – is devastating.”

The mayor later issued a separate statement about Rodriguez’s death and the ongoing police investigation:

“Those of us who knew and interacted with traffic control officer Jairo Rodriguez in front of City Hall, loved him, and the circumstances leading to the loss of his life are heartrending. By law, the case must be investigated first by the Essex County prosecutor. While the city waits for the prosecutor’s findings, this is not a time for rumor or innuendo, and is not the time for individuals to seek to exploit this tragic situation. When the prosecutor’s office is done with their investigation, the city will do its part. In his memory, let’s afford him, his family, and his legacy the same dignity and grace he lived by.”

Traffic-related fatalities are a persistent danger for police officers, with car crashes listed as the third most-common cause of death for officers nationwide, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

This number decreased 27 percent in 2023, when 37 officers died in traffic-related crashes such as single-vehicle accidents, vehicle collisions, struck-by incidents and motorcycle crashes while working along the nation’s roadways, the group says.

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