A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges in connection with the death of Omar Williams, 43, who died following a police pursuit involving Bloomfield Police Department officers on July 23, 2024, in East Orange, New Jersey.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) led the investigation into Mr. Williams’ death. The case was presented to a grand jury composed of New Jersey residents under the Independent Prosecutor Directive. Evidence reviewed included witness interviews, photographs, radio transmissions, video footage from police dashboard and body-worn cameras as well as third-party cameras, and autopsy results. After reviewing this evidence and hearing testimony, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on February 9, 2026. The panel voted “no bill,” meaning no criminal charges would be filed against the officer involved.
According to investigators, two robberies occurred earlier that day: one at an Acme grocery store in Montclair around 10:57 a.m., and another at a CVS in Bloomfield at about 11:12 a.m. In both cases, female victims were robbed of their purses by suspects fleeing in a Nissan Sentra later found to have been reported stolen from Montclair the previous day.
Automated license plate recognition notifications indicated that the Nissan was located in Newark later that same day. At approximately 12:57 p.m., Bloomfield Deputy Chief Anthony Sisco spotted the vehicle while driving an unmarked police car and alerted other units. Lieutenant Michael Moleski and Detective James Romano joined him before the Nissan sped away. A pursuit began from Newark into East Orange with Sergeant Raymond Diaz joining in a marked vehicle using lights and sirens. The chase covered about 2.9 miles over four minutes.
At roughly 1:08 p.m., the Nissan entered an opposing lane on Park Avenue in East Orange as a Toyota Camry attempted a left turn into the center lane. The Nissan sideswiped the Toyota before colliding with a parked ambulance nearby. Officers removed Mr. Williams—who was unconscious—from the Nissan; he was transported by EMS to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:38 p.m. Other civilians involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Law enforcement released related camera footage online for public review.
Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), any fatal encounter involving law enforcement must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment consideration against officers involved. Grand jurors receive instructions on relevant criminal offenses—including homicide—and legal justifications such as self-defense.
A conflicts check found no actual or potential conflicts among OPIA staff assigned to this investigation prior to its presentation to the grand jury; OPIA Executive Director Eric Gibson reviewed all findings beforehand.
Following completion of this investigation under established procedures and policies, OPIA will determine if administrative review is necessary for any officer involved according to Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures guidelines; OPIA will monitor these reviews for timely completion and appropriate action based on outcomes.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s office holds statewide authority over law enforcement matters including investigations like this one according to its official website. The office also provides oversight across all counties and municipalities and influences public safety through enforcement. Its responsibilities include legal representation for state agencies, crime lab support services, victim advocacy programs, consumer protection initiatives and regulatory functions focused on justice throughout New Jersey.
