A state grand jury in New Jersey has decided not to bring criminal charges against a New Jersey State Police trooper following an investigation into a fatal crash on August 13, 2024, during a police pursuit in Hope Township, Warren County. The crash resulted in the death of Michael J. Ceddia, Jr., 76, from Hackettstown, New Jersey. His motorcycle was hit by an SUV driven by Sean B. Mamakas, 33, from Kempton, Pennsylvania.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) investigated Mr. Ceddia’s death and presented the case to the grand jury under the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019. Evidence such as video footage from vehicle recorders and body-worn cameras, radio transmissions, witness statements, and autopsy results were examined by the grand jury.
On May 20, 2025, after reviewing all evidence and testimonies, the grand jury concluded with a “no bill” decision against NJSP Trooper Christopher Bird. The incident began at around 10:19 a.m. when Trooper Bird attempted to stop a grey Ford Explorer SUV on Route 80 eastbound. The driver of the SUV fled at high speed leading to a pursuit that ended with Mr. Ceddia’s motorcycle being struck.
Following the collision on County Road 521 in Hope Township at approximately 10:20 a.m., Mr. Ceddia was ejected from his motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene despite medical efforts. Mr. Mamakas was taken for medical evaluation before being placed in police custody.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the investigation into Mr. Mamakas’ actions. In March 2025, he was indicted on several charges including aggravated manslaughter and eluding law enforcement among others; these charges are still pending.
Footage related to this incident has been released by the Attorney General’s Office as part of its policy for transparency in investigations involving fatal police encounters.
A law enacted in New Jersey requires investigations into deaths occurring during interactions with law enforcement officers or while individuals are in custody to be presented to a grand jury for potential indictment decisions regarding involved officers.
OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner reviewed this case before it went to the grand jury as per established policies ensuring no conflicts of interest were present among those assigned to investigate this matter.
