NJ Identifies Newark Man Who Died In Police Foot Chase On I-280

NEWARK, NJ — State authorities have identified a 43-year-old Newark man who died after leading police on a foot chase that ended on I-280 in Essex County last week.

The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General released the following statement about the death of Raul L. DeJesus, which took place on Jan. 5:

“According to the preliminary investigation, shortly before 3:42 p.m., Newark police officer Alberto Vera approached Mr. DeJesus in the area of Orange Street and South 11th Street in Newark, in connection with a criminal investigation that had occurred in Paterson on Dec. 10, 2022. Mr. DeJesus fled on foot through various yards and collapsed on an embankment along Route 280 westbound, in the area of mile marker 12.8, where he was located and taken into custody by Newark police officer Nicholas Miller. Mr. DeJesus was transported to University Hospital and pronounced deceased at 4:41 p.m.”

As per state law, the attorney general’s office is investigating DeJesus’ death. The law requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved.

“The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time,” authorities said Wednesday.

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