Crime & Safety
Newark Cop Shot 2 Men During Chase, Gun Found In Car: Prosecutor
A man died and another is in critical condition after a Newark police officer shot them during a late-night car chase, authorities said.
NEWARK, NJ — NOTE: This article includes an updated statement from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.
A man died and another is in critical condition after a Newark police officer shot them during a car chase on Monday night, authorities said.
The “police-involved shooting” took place at 11:20 p.m. on Jan. 28 when Newark officers tried to pull over a vehicle near Clinton Avenue and Thomas Street, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
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When the driver of the car refused to stop, the officers followed them and a chase ensued. One of the pursuing officers fired shots at three separate locations, striking both of the car’s occupants, prosecutors said.
The chase ended in the area of 54 Irvine Turner Boulevard near Kinney Street. Police found a loaded, semi-automatic handgun in the car, prosecutors said.
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Emergency responders transported the wounded men to University Hospital. Authorities later identified them as Andrew J. Dixon, 35, and Gregory Griffin, 46. Both are Newark residents, prosecutors said.
Dixon and Griffon were listed in critical condition, authorities originally reported. On Tuesday afternoon, prosecutors said that Griffin passed away and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“We are actively investigating a police-involved shooting that resulted in two men sustaining critical injuries,” Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said. “As in all cases involving the use of force, we take these matters seriously. Our Professional Standards Bureau will be reviewing the evidence carefully. Consistent with Attorney General guidelines, after the review is completed, we will present the case to an Essex County Grand Jury.”
A police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Professional Standards Bureau at 862-520-3700.
No additional information was immediately available.
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