AG Investigates Fatal Police Shooting in Lacey Township

AG: New Jersey News

Filed March 16th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on March 16, 2026, in Lacey Township. The incident involved a Lacey Township police officer who discharged his weapon during an encounter with a civilian, resulting in one fatality. The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

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What changed

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office, through its Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), has initiated an investigation into a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on March 16, 2026, in Lacey Township. The incident involved a Lacey Township police officer who discharged his service weapon during an encounter with a civilian outside a residence, resulting in the death of a woman. A knife was recovered at the scene. This investigation is mandated by N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), which requires the Attorney General to investigate deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement and present findings to a grand jury.

This action signifies a critical event requiring immediate attention from law enforcement agencies and legal professionals within New Jersey. Compliance officers should note that the investigation is ongoing, and the Attorney General's Office is responsible for determining if the evidence warrants an indictment against the officer involved. While no specific compliance actions are required for regulated entities at this stage, the outcome of such investigations can influence future law enforcement protocols and oversight. The public nature of this investigation underscores the importance of adherence to established use-of-force policies and reporting requirements.

What to do next

Review internal use-of-force policies and training procedures.
Ensure all law enforcement encounters are documented thoroughly and accurately.
Stay informed of any public reports or findings released by the Attorney General's Office regarding this investigation.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General’s Office Investigating Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Lacey Township, N.J.

For Immediate Release: March 16, 2026

Office of The Attorney General
– Jennifer Davenport, Attorney General
Office of Public Integrity and Accountability
– Eric L. GIbson, Executive Director

For Further Information:

Media Inquiries-
Dan Prochilo
OAGpress@njoag.gov

TRENTON — The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) is investigating a fatal shooting by a police officer that occurred Monday, March 16, 2026, in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township, New Jersey. One woman was fatally injured. Her identity is not being released at this time. According to the preliminary investigation, Lacey Township police officers were dispatched to a residence on Hemlock Drive in Lanoka Harbor shortly after 2:00 a.m., in response to a 911 call reporting a medical event. During an encounter with the civilian-caller outside the home at approximately 2:44 a.m., one officer fired his service weapon, striking the woman. She was subsequently pronounced deceased. Law enforcement recovered a knife at the scene outside of the home.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is being released at this time.

N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2) 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.