Fatal Collision in Elizabeth Under AG Investigation: Two Dead Following Police Pursuit

Attorney General's Office Probes Incident Involving Police and Fatal Taxi Crash

ELIZABETH, N.J., December 12, 2023 – A tragic vehicle collision in Elizabeth, New Jersey, has led to the death of two individuals and a comprehensive investigation by the Attorney General's Office. The incident, which took place early on December 10, involved a police pursuit and resulted in a fatal crash at the intersection of Grand Street and Routes 1 and 9.

In the pre-dawn hours of Saturday, patrol officers from the Elizabeth Police Department responded to reports of gunfire near Fourth Avenue and Centre Street. A vehicle, later involved in the crash, was briefly pursued by the officers before it collided with a taxi. The driver and the passenger of the taxi sustained fatal injuries, and their identities have not been disclosed pending family notification.

The vehicle pursued by the police had three occupants. Two were apprehended and hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The third individual fled the scene on foot and is currently at large. This manhunt adds a layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing investigation.

This incident falls under the purview of a 2019 law, mandating that the Attorney General's Office investigates any death occurring during a law enforcement encounter or while in custody. The law also requires these cases to be presented to a grand jury to assess the need for indictments against the involved officers.

In addition to the Attorney General's Office, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office is conducting its investigation into potential criminal activities linked to the fatal accident and the events leading up to it.

As the community reels from this tragedy, the investigation remains active. The authorities have not released further details at this time, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness and accuracy in this high-profile case. The incident raises questions about police pursuits, public safety, and the protocols involved in such high-stakes scenarios.