No Charges For Cops After Suspect Shoots Himself In Newark Park: NJAG

NEWARK, NJ — No police officers will face criminal charges after a chase ended with the death of a homicide suspect in Newark last year, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges regarding the death of Don Jones, 50, of Newark, who died after shooting himself, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

Prosecutors released the following details about Jones’ death:

“According to the investigation, on August 29, 2023, members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force were in the area of West Side Park in Newark attempting to locate Mr. Jones, who had an active warrant for his arrest stemming from a homicide in Union County. The task force requested assistance from the Newark police. Officers encountered Mr. Jones in West Side Park, and observed him taking a handgun from his waistband. Mr. Jones fled on foot with task force members and Newark police officers in pursuit, directing him to drop the firearm. Mr. Jones ran to an open field where he was surrounded by police, at which point he dropped to a kneeling position, pointed the firearm at his head and fired. [A police officer] also fired her weapon towards Mr. Jones, but the officer’s shot did not strike anyone.”

Jones was transported to University Hospital in Newark and declared deceased at 3:49 p.m.

Prosecutors have released video footage of the events surrounding the fatality, which can be viewed online here. WARNING: Footage contains graphic and violent content.

Jones’ death was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and presented to New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.

According to prosecutors, the investigation included witness interviews, review of video footage, findings from ballistics testing, and autopsy results from the medical examiner. This evidence, including video of the incident, was presented to a state grand jury.

After hearing the testimony and evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on Monday and voted “no bill,” concluding that no criminal charges should be filed.

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