NJ AG's Office Unveils Evidence in December Police Shooting in Woodbridge

Body-Cam and Dashboard Footage Released in Investigation of Kevin Harlfinger's Fatal Encounter

In a critical development on the investigation front, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office has publicized body-worn and dashboard-camera footage, along with radio communications tied to the police-involved fatality of Kevin Harlfinger, a 40-year-old resident of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County. This disclosure occurs in the backdrop of the distressing event that unfolded on December 28, 2023, on the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge, N.J., drawing attention to the protocols of law enforcement engagement and the dire outcomes that can ensue.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) is spearheading the probe into the circumstances leading to Harlfinger's death during a late-night encounter with officers from the Cranford Police Department. This release of evidence aligns with the Attorney General’s Office's commitment to fostering a transparent, fair, and impartial examination of incidents involving police fatalities, adhering to guidelines set in 2019.

The incident unraveled following a high-speed chase involving a stolen vehicle that culminated in a crash near a southbound exit on the Parkway. The ensuing confrontation saw Harlfinger and Officers Christopher Folinusz and Ryan McSharry exchange gunfire. Harlfinger was declared dead at the scene shortly after midnight on December 29, 2023, with a firearm discovered in his vicinity. Officer Folinusz sustained injuries from the gunfire but has since been discharged from the hospital.

The current investigative framework mandates that the Attorney General's Office delve into deaths that occur in law enforcement encounters or in custody, with findings ultimately subjected to grand jury scrutiny to ascertain if the actions of the officers warrant indictments.

As the investigation continues, the Attorney General’s Office has refrained from releasing additional details. This case not only highlights the inherent risks in police work but also underscores the importance of stringent oversight and accountability mechanisms in law enforcement operations, ensuring justice and transparency for all parties involved.