A civilian involved in the domestic incident armed with a rifle exchanged gunfire with two police officers and was fataly wounded and pronounced dead at the scene.
March 9,2024 -Update
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–A Hamilton Township police officer remains hospitalized today, having been shot last night while responding to the scene of a domestic incident in Mercer County . A civilian was fatally wounded. The incident is currently under investigation by my Office and that investigation will follow the established protocol according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.
The Attorney General’s Office is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on March 8, 2024, in Hamilton Township in Mercer County, New Jersey. One adult male civilian sustained fatal injuries. One Hamilton officer sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized. Their identities are not being released at this time.
According to the preliminary information, officers from the Hamilton Township Police Department responded to a residence on Orchard Avenue after a 911 call involving a domestic incident was received at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8. During the encounter, a civilian armed with a rifle exchanged gunfire with two officers at approximately 10:10 p.m. The civilian was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene. One officer was also struck and is being treated in a hospital for his injuries. A firearm was recovered near the civilian.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, “Our thoughts are with the officer and his partner who responded last night, and with the family of the decedent who suffered a tragic loss. We will also keep the entire Hamilton Township Police Department and the loved ones of all those affected in our prayers.”
Let us remember the daily risks our law enforcement officers take to keep our communities safe. The presence of firearms escalates domestic incidents, with access to a firearm increasing the likelihood of a homicide by 1,000%.
In New Jersey, we are working together to disrupt cycles of violence, end gun violence, protect our law enforcement officers, and support victims and survivors of violence as they work to rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). If a member of your household is experiencing crisis, and you are concerned about the presence of firearms in the home please contact your local police department, County Prosecutor’s Office, or my Office, to learn about how you can obtain an Extreme Risk Protective Order.
May all impacted by last night’s shooting be comforted knowing that all of New Jersey is holding them in our thoughts as they begin to heal.
A 2019 law, P.L. 2019, c. 1, requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It 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.
From Hamilton Police PBA 66: Need to take a moment to thank everyone for the outpouring of support that we have received over the last 24 hours. Within minutes of the incident surrounding departments showed up to offer any assistance needed. Local businesses, unions from across the state and residents have sent food to the station or donated food to the families of the officers involved. The NJ State PBA, local, county and state officials have all reached out offering any support we may need. The nurses and doctors taking care of our injured officer have been nothing short of amazing. I hope in the near future we will be able to thank everyone individually but in the meantime please know we are truly grateful.
Last night’s breaking news story here:
UPDATE ON OFFICER SHOT – Our officer with Hamilton Police Division is recovering after surgery. He is resting comfortably and has been up and talking today. Keep all Hamilton Township police officers and their families in your prayers.
Thank you for all who have reached out. pic.twitter.com/2pAp6CiR7m