The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability identified on April 1 the civilian and police officer involved in a fatal vehicle crash that took place on March 20 in the Marlton section of Evesham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. The deceased has been named as Joseph J. Meadowcroft, age 22, of Evesham.
A preliminary investigation found that Evesham Township Police Officer Robert Haynes was attempting to conduct a motor vehicle stop of a Ford Mustang driven by Meadowcroft during the early morning hours. According to officials, Meadowcroft’s vehicle collided with an uninvolved tractor-trailer near Route 73 and Lincoln Drive at approximately 4:38 a.m. The police vehicle was not involved in the collision, and the driver of the truck was uninjured. Meadowcroft died at the scene from his injuries.
The Attorney General’s Office said that their investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2) requires that any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while a person is in custody must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for review regarding possible indictment of involved officers.
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities across New Jersey according to its official website. It also influences public safety through law enforcement oversight as reported by its official website.
The office holds authority under state law to enforce statutes, prosecute offenses, regulate public safety matters according to its statutory mandate, provides state legal representation, crime lab support, victim advocacy services as described by its official site, and functions as an agency focused on justice and consumer protection across New Jersey according to its description.
