The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability identified on Mar. 20 the civilian and police officer involved in a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on March 16 in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. The deceased has been named as Susanne Clarke, 55, of Lacey, while the officer involved is Dallas Gant of the Lacey Township Police Department.
Authorities said officers responded to a residence on Hemlock Drive near Birch Road shortly after 2:00 a.m. following a 911 call about a medical event. During an encounter outside the home at approximately 2:44 a.m., Officer Gant fired his service weapon, striking Ms. Clarke. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:24 a.m., and law enforcement recovered a knife outside the home.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing, with no further information available at this time. Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while in custody must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury to determine if charges are warranted against 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 in New Jersey, influencing public safety through law enforcement oversight across the state according to its official website.
The Attorney General holds statewide authority to enforce laws, prosecute offenses, regulate public safety matters under its statutory mandate, and offers services including state legal representation, crime lab support, victim advocacy, and consumer protection initiatives according to its official website. The agency functions as a central body for justice and public safety throughout New Jersey.
