The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is investigating the death of a civilian following a March 10 encounter with law enforcement in Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, according to a March 20 statement. The individual who died has been identified as Steven Fitzpatrick, 61, of Pittstown.
The investigation addresses the circumstances surrounding Fitzpatrick’s death after an interaction with police officers. This matter is significant because state law requires that any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for review.
According to the preliminary findings, Officer Tyler Sutton from the Franklin Township Police Department responded to a property on Locust Grove Road after a report that a family member had threatened to return with a firearm. While speaking with the caller, Officer Sutton saw Fitzpatrick drive onto the property. Officers Sutton, Mitchell Molina, and Detective John Laurencelle detained and handcuffed Fitzpatrick when he suffered an apparent medical episode. Officers provided medical aid until emergency personnel arrived and transported him to Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington. Fitzpatrick was pronounced dead on March 15.
The cause and manner of death remain under investigation. No further information has been released at this time.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support according to the official website. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey according to the official website, influencing public safety through law enforcement oversight according to the official website. The agency holds authority to enforce laws, prosecute offenses, regulate public safety matters according to the official website, offers services such as legal representation for the state, crime lab support, victim advocacy, and consumer protection initiatives according to the official website, and functions as a state agency focused on justice and public safety across New Jersey according to the official website.
As required by N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), all investigations into deaths during encounters with law enforcement must be presented before a grand jury for possible indictment decisions.
