Newark Cop Suspended After Shooting 2 Men, 1 Fatally: Officials

NEWARK, NJ — Newark authorities have suspended a local police officer who allegedly shot two men during a car chase last month. One of the men died, the other was hospitalized in critical condition, city officials said Tuesday.

In a joint statement, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said “transparency is paramount” in police-involved shootings.

“We have concerns about this shooting and will cooperate fully with the Essex County Prosecutor's investigation,” Ambrose said. “All of the body and dashboard camera recordings have been handed over to prosecutor.”

The shooting – which took place during a car chase on Jan. 28 – resulted in the death of Greg C. Griffin, 46, authorities said.

• See related article: Newark Cop Shot 2 Men During Chase, Gun Found In Car

“Until an investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is finalized, I believe it is in the best interest of our community members that the officer be suspended,” Ambrose said.

The suspended officer has been a member of the Newark Police Division for 18 months, Ambrose stated.

On Tuesday, the Newark Department of Public Safety released the following statement about the shooting:

“Shortly after 11:15 p.m., a police officer attempted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Thomas Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The officer observed a firearm inside the vehicle, a four-door black Chrysler 300, and radioed for backup. Before additional officers arrived, the driver pulled off, initiating a police pursuit. The suspect vehicle was fired upon by one officer at three locations before the car came to a final stop at Irvine Turner Boulevard and West Kinney Street.”

Police said that a loaded, semi-automatic handgun was found in the car.

Emergency responders transported the driver, Griffin, and his passenger, Andrew Dixon, 34, both of Newark, to University Hospital for treatment. Griffin was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Dixon was eventually upgraded from critical condition to stable condition, police said.

Dixon was later charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon.

The case will be presented to a grand jury in accordance with New Jersey Attorney General directives governing these incidents, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office stated Tuesday.

“The investigation is active and ongoing, but the evidence gathered so far raises serious questions about the officer’s conduct,” Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said. “Consequently, this matter will be presented to a grand jury for possible criminal charges.”

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Bureau is conducting an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Professional Standards Bureau at 862-520-3700.

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