No further information was immediately available. Russell Heller is shown in this undated photo. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! "Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence," New Jersey Gov. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, within an hour of the shooting, according to police. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Smith was taken to the Somerset County Jail where he will remain pending a detention hearing in this matter. WebOn Nov. 2 at around 8:40 p.m., numerous 911 calls reported a shooting at a barbershop on Hamilton Street in the Somerset Section of FranklinTownship. We are not releasing any other information at this time, said Peter Aseltine of the state Attorney Generals Office. On Nov. 2 at around 8:40 p.m., numerous 911 calls reported a shooting at a barbershop on Hamilton Street in the Somerset Section of FranklinTownship. "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens said in a statement. Further details on the encounter were not disclosed, but authorities said it ended when a Franklin officer shot and killed the man. One man is dead and two others are hospitalized after a car accident in Franklin Township, N.J. FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. - A man is dead and two people are injured after a car crashed and flipped on its side early Sunday morning in Gloucester County. Franklin Township Detectives looked at the damage on the car and confirmed it was caused by a gunshot. Dwumfour -- the mother of a 12-year-old daughter and leader of her church -- was elected into office in 2021 and worked as a business analyst and part-time emergency medical technician. You will need to come into police headquarters and file a walk in or late report. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The crash occurred around 3 p.m. Monday in Buena Vista, Atlantic County, and police there soon responded along with officers from nearby Franklin Township. WebThe videos, which can be found here, show the two troopers approaching the disabled vehicle from either side on Starlite Hill Road in the Columbia section of Knowlton in The shooting will be investigated by the attorney general's office, which is standard policy when an officer fires his weapon. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) Somerset County authorities are investigating a shooting that left two people injured Saturday night in Franklin Township, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson. WebIn less than a week, five people shot, one person died all in the same Franklin County neighborhood. Are the police officers in the Franklin Police Department forbidden from shooting at moving vehicles? All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. WebPolice called to the scene found 51-year-old Senior Distribution Supervisor Russell Heller dead from a gunshot wound in the parking lot outside the facility. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said it is investigating after a local police officer reportedly shot a person Monday afternoon in Atlantic County. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533. The fatal incident remains under investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). At least 12 more people were shot in the melee on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township around 11:50 p.m. Saturday. On October 2, at around 10:33 p.m., police were dispatched to the area of Fuller Street and The mission of the Franklin Township Police Department is to protect and enhance the quality of life via a Community Policing Operational Philosophy, through a partnership with the community, and to promote a safe and secure environment, free from crime and the fear of crime, for all who live, work or visit our community. Get Directions, Phone:(908) 850-1000 Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. BUENA VISTA, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has identified the man who was shot and killed by police after allegedly stealing an officer's cruiser on Monday. Furthermore, are they forbidden from transporting civilians in uncomfortable positions, such as face down in a vehicle? ALEJANDRO A. ALVAREZ / Staff Photographer. 2019, c.1), which requires that the Attorney Generals Office conduct all investigations of a persons death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officers official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, Robertson said. Separately, the Independent Prosecutor Directive, which was issued by Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal in December 2019, outlines a 10-step process for conducting these investigations. Hillsborough Schools To Lose 913K In State Aid Next Year, NJ Man Sold Cocaine From Somerset Co. Hotel: Prosecutor, McDonald's Shamrock Shake Returns To Hillsborough, Office Furniture & Soft Seating Liquidation Sale, Hoboken's Official St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl, T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week, Now Hiring!! Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was shot and killed on Feb. 1 while sitting inside her SUV outside her home, police said. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888 577-TIPS (8477). More than three complaints are unacceptable. Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. The Directive establishes clear procedures governing such investigations to ensure that they are conducted in a full, impartial and transparent manner. According to the preliminary investigation, the shooting occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. near Cumberland Avenue and Oak Road in Buena Vista, N.J.Officers of the Franklin Township Police Department initially responded as mutual aid to investigate a motor vehicle accident involving Mr. Jackel at Cumberland Road and Tuckahoe Road in Buena Vista. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! CBS News New York: Free 24/7 News. WebCherry Hill Courier-Post 0:00 0:45 FRANKLIN TWP. Is there a clear and enforced use-of-force continuum that details what weapons and force are acceptable in a wide variety of civilian-police interactions? Chad Stuart was 31 Hillsborough Schools To Lose 913K In State Aid Next Year, NJ Man Sold Cocaine From Somerset Co. Hotel: Prosecutor, McDonald's Shamrock Shake Returns To Hillsborough, Office Furniture & Soft Seating Liquidation Sale, Hoboken's Official St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl, T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week, Now Hiring!! WebFRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) Authorities are investigating into a shooting that may have occurred in the area of Hamilton Street on Monday night in New Jersey leaders are mourning the loss of a councilman who was killed in what police said was a targeted workplace shooting on Wednesday. After a Franklin officer got out his cruiser, authorities say 41-year-old Roy K. Jackel Jr. of Cape May Court House, NJ, got in the police vehicle and drove away. There were no reported injuries but police found 27 shell casings in the area, said Robertson. To read story click here. We are very shaken by this.". Smith has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Man, woman shot in grocery store parking lot in SE Houston, police say, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase, Do not to buy Raspberry Rally cookies from eBay, Girl Scouts say. WebIts unknown if the two shootings are related, authorities said. Wrestlers who lost on the first day of the NJ state wrestling tournament still have a chance to reach the podium through the wrestlebacks. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) The Somerset County Prosecutors Office has released a motive in the fatal shooting of Russel Heller, 51, of Milford Borough, a PSE&G supervisor, outside his car at the Weston Canal Road office in Franklin Township, Wednesday morning. A spokesperson for the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office referred questions to the state Attorney Generals Office, which handles investigations of shootings involving police officers in New Jersey. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Are the police officers in the Franklin Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? SOMERSET, NJ Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a barbershop in the Somerset section of Franklin Township following a two-month investigation. The incident comes one week after the separate, fatal shooting of another New Jersey council member. ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report. Heller was found dead from a gunshot wound, police said. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Is there an early intervention system enforced to correct officers who use excessive force? Responding Officers located a male victim WebProsecutor Robertson stated that on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at approximately 3:58 a.m., Franklin Township Police officers were dispatched to the area of Elizabeth Street in "Preliminary investigation has revealed that the shooting was an isolated incident and Mr. Heller was the intended target," the Franklin Township Police Department said in a statement. TRENTON The Attorney Generals Office today released video recordings related to the death of Roy K. Jackel, Jr., 41, of Wildwood Crest, N.J., who died on April 5, 2021, when Sgt. "He was so full of life, it's just unbelievable that he's gone. Cooking with Cops is designed to bring youth and police together in the kitchen. In crashes that are of a more serious nature reports take a longer time to be completed because there is more investigation to do. WebIn Franklin Township, a community is still reeling from three shootings in two days at the end of 2019. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All classes will be held at the Franklin High School, 500 Elizabeth Ave. Prior to todays release, investigators provided the recordings to the decedents representative and relatives for their review. Something like this has never happened in borough history. Advise them of the location by street and town where the crash occurred. A motive is under investigation. Notify your insurance company and advise them that you have been involved in a motor vehicle crash. A 911 call reported gunshots being fired around To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. The shooting happened overnight in Voorhees Township, NJ. The victim, who was identified as a woman from Franklin Township, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound while walking to a residence during a party. Police did not provide an update on their condition. WebFRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Heller, a Republican, was first elected to the Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2020. Mr. Jackel was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel at approximately 4:11 p.m. 8 (UPI) -- A former employee of PSE&G has shot and killed a current employee at one of the utility company's headquarters in Franklin Township, N.J., authorities say. The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. Franklin Township police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting victim in the parking lot of the PSE&G location around 7 a.m. Wednesday, the department said. Required fields are marked *. Sometimes officers may need to make corrections before the report is approved. Sign up for emails from FOX 29, including our daily Good Day Digest newsletter. Carrier Clinic, WEBINAR: Learn About Wills, Living Trusts and Nursing Home Asset Protection, Protect Your Home from Ticks with Yard Guard from Viking Pest, Now Hiring Front Counter Sales/Business Development, Hillsborough Area Adoptable Pets Of The Week: Miley, Dolly & More, Homeschool Athletes Now Allowed To Play Ball In Hillsborough, 'Miracle' Superstorm Sandy Baby Celebrates 10th Birthday In Montgomery, Latin Roots Mixed With Italian Flair Form Unique Hillsborough Pizzeria, Father, Son Duo Expand Milk Delivery Service Into Hillsborough, $4,600 Raised By Hillsborough Girl For Charity In Teacher's Honor, Young Bald Eagle Takes First Flight At Duke Farms. During the investigation, Mr. Jackel ran from the scene into a wooded area. "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean tweeted. Officers from the Franklinville Township Police Department were called to the area of Main Road and Marshall Mill Road just after 4 a.m. for reports of a single-car crash. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Be aware that sometimes reports are not ready in the 4 to 8 business days. Website Design By Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Phil Murphy tweeted. Office of The Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal,Attorney GeneralOffice of Public Integrity and Accountability Thomas J. Eicher, Director, Media Inquiries-Peter Aseltine609-292-4791Citizen Inquiries-609-984-5828. Officers provided medical aid to Mr. Jackel until emergency medical personnel arrived. PSE&G said it was "heartbroken" over the death of Heller, who had been a supervisor with the company for over 11 years. 6 min read. After a brief pursuit, Mr. Jackel stopped the stolen police vehicle. Investigators are trying to figure out a motive for the shooting and it is undetermined if the man or car were the intended targets, said Robertson. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Subscribe to Receive JJC Proposed Rules Email Notifications, STATE OF NEW JERSEY | DEPARTMENT OF LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY, Feedback form for NJRC Inquiries/Feedback and Account Wagering, Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, https://www.nj.gov/oag/excellence/docs/2019-4_Independent_Prosecutor_Directive.pdf, Attorney Generals Office Investigating Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Paterson, AGs Office Identifies Decedent from Clara Barton Rest Stop Incident on Feb. 28, 2023, AG Platkin and Colonel Callahan Announce Arrest in Shooting of New Jersey State Trooper in Paterson, Grand Jury Declines to File Charges in Police-Involved Shooting that Killed Pennsylvania Man on November 7, 2021, Egg Harbor Charter School Leaders Indicted by Grand Jury After Allegedly Steering $115K Contract to School Founders Side Business. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). According to the preliminary investigation, the shooting occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. near Cumberland Avenue and Oak Road in Buena Vista, N.J. Officers of the Franklin Township Police Department initially responded as mutual aid to investigate a motor vehicle accident involving Mr. Jackel at Cumberland Road and Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. There is no body worn camera footage of the incident. The civilian driver stopped the Download here. Deadline is February 3rd and classes are limited! A double shooting happened last Wednesday, Oct. 14 and then on New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of Heller. Are the officers in the Franklin Police Department thoroughly vetted to ensure that they do not have a history with abuse, racism, xenophobia, homophobia/ transphobia, or discrimination? His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Ware has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell CBS New York App. On October 2, at around 10:33 p.m., police were dispatched to the area of Fuller Street and Franklin Boulevard for a wounded victim that was reportedly shot while in the area, Robertson said. Police found a man, later Are the police officers in the Franklin Police Department forbidden from using carotid restraints (chokeholds, strangleholds, etc.) He subsequently returned to the scene, entered an unoccupied marked police vehicle, and drove away. What should I do? Your email address will not be published. Authoritiesare investigating the cause of the accident. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. WebFRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE&G Central Division in Franklin Township. They will make simple, but flavorful meals which will be enjoyed at the end of each class. Additionally, how many complaints does an officer have to receive before they are reprimanded? After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson. Are the police officers in the Franklin Police Department being trained to de-escalate altercations by using peaceful conflict resolution strategies? All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene along with detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department to investigate. Sanchez was taken to an area trauma center where he was later pronounced dead. WebShooting reported at PSE&G's headquarters in Franklin Township - CBS New York. Note: Members of the press can emailtheCommunications Officeto obtain a link to download the video recordings. The video recordings are posted online: Click here for recordings. Jay has been a guest on Americas Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion. Lisa A. Tilton, Buena Vista Townships administrator, said her municipality is covered by the New Jersey State Police and referred questions to that agency. Detectives also traveled to Augusta, Georgia where they found Ware on Dec. 30 at 7:50 a.m. at a home. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. The Attorney Generals Office also released audio recordings of police communications related to the incident. Members of the Department are dedicated to accomplishing this mission by maintaining public peace and order through fair, impartial enforcement of the law, fostering an environment of cooperation and trust within our organization and the community, and challenging the future with a spirit of optimism and innovation. A 911 call reported gunshots being fired around 11 p.m. in the area of Baier Avenue and Phillips Road, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson. Have a news tip? Cooking with Cops is designed to bring youth and police together in the kitchen. If you opt in above we use this information to send related content. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ A Marine Corps reservist awaiting trial for the shooting death of a man in a Franklin Township bar parking lot will remain in jail, judges ruled. Following an investigation, Smith was arrested on Dec. 22 at about 1:25 p.m. in a shopping area in Clark. Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com. No arrests have been announced in the case. We have this investigation. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. Somerset County authorities investigating shooting that left 2 injured. WebFRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ Officials added a murder charge against a Marine Corps reservist accused of fatally shooting another man in the forehead outside a Franklin Are the officers in the Franklin Police Department required to give a verbal warning to civilians before drawing their weapon or using excessive force? I cover breaking news at night in the Philadelphia region. Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com. Newsroom:(908) 852-7777 Call-In:(908) 852-1234. QuickChek giving away free coffee every Friday in March and April, P.O. Anyone with information relating to this homicide to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. Are the officers in the Franklin Police Department required to report each time they threaten to or use force on civilians? All Rights Reserved. Dwumfour sustained multiple gunshot wounds in her SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Anyone with information relating to this shooting is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. WebBUENA VISTA, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has identified the man who was shot and killed by police after allegedly stealing an officer's The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. WebFeb. Are the officers in the Franklin Police Department required to exhaust every other possible option before using excessive force? Investigators have determined that the shooting was not connected with Heller's "elected office or political affiliation," Deputy Chief Frank Roman Jr. with the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement Thursday. He exited the vehicle and ran toward the officers, holding his arm behind his back and ignoring their commands to show his hands. California residents do not sell my data request. As law enforcement officers approached they "observed him suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound" and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. While conducting the investigation, detectives were notified of a second victim, who was identified as a man from Edison, NJ, who responded to a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. VOORHEES, N.J. - Police are investigating a reported shooting that happened overnight in Voorhees Township. Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene? Now, a county freeholder says public officials need to do more. Anyone with information relating to this event to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. -- The Associated Press contributed to this report. Committees & Commissions Meeting Calendar, Guide to Participation in Council Meetings, Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Construction Permit Application Packet & Related Forms, Certificate of Continued Building Compliance, Application & Instructions, Inspection Requests/Application Status (PORTAL), Planning & Zoning Boards Meeting Calendar, Park and Facility Permits and Information, Franklin Youth Center Planning Information. FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. - A man is dead and two people are injured after a car crashed and flipped on its side early Sunday morning in Gloucester County. WebMission Statement: The mission of the Franklin Township Police Department is to protect and enhance the quality of life via a Community Policing Operational Philosophy, through a partnership with the community, and to promote a safe and secure environment, free from crime and the fear of crime, for all who live, work or visit our community. After a Franklin Township police officer left his police vehicle, one of the drivers involved in the accident entered that police vehicle and drove away. Links & - The mother of a man shot outside a local bar said her family has been changed forever by his death. According to authorities, the Franklin Township School District student made threats saying there would be a shooting today and tomorrow at two different schools. WebFranklin Township NJ Councilman Killed at PSE&G Facility; Shooter Found Dead in Benz at Train Station Detectives were able to track down the suspects Mercedes-Benz parked Children will learn food and kitchen safety, food preparation, proper food storage and exposure to a variety of cooking methods. The Attorney Generals Office released video from four mobile video recorders commonly referred to as dashboard cameras along with audio from communications as part of a 2019 policy making such investigations more transparent to Jernegan discharged his firearm, striking Mr. Jackel. Detectives have not released a motive for the shooting which remains under investigation, Robertson said. An investigation is underway in Atlantic County, New Jersey after a man was shot and killed by a police officer on Monday afternoon. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Your email address will not be published. The civilian driver stopped the police vehicle on East Oak Road in Buena Vista. CBSNews.com. Investigators determined that a former PSE&G employee -- identified as Gary Curtis, 58, of Washington, New Jersey -- allegedly approached Heller in the parking lot and shot him while he was outside his vehicle, police said. Are the officers in the Franklin Police Department rained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using excessive force? Have a news tip? Wrestlers who lost on the first day of the NJ state wrestling tournament still have a chance to reach the podium through the wrestlebacks. David Jernegen of the Franklin Township Police Department fired his service weapon at him, fatally wounding him. A Somerset man said he was driving north on Phillips Road toward Baier Avenue when he heard multiple "pops," which he initially thought were fireworks, according to Robertson. It did not appear that anyone was injured in the initial crash, which remains under investigation. A 20-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were pulled from the car and taken to Cooper Hospital. Download here. Franklin Township police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting victim in the parking lot of the PSE &G location around 7 a.m. Wednesday, the department said. At the time of his arrest, Smith had a gun in his possession. The victim also sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound from the same incident on Fuller Street and Franklin Boulevard, Robertson said. A man died by suicide Monday after he fatally shot his ex-girlfriend at her Deptford home, the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office announced Tuesday afternoon. David Jernegen remains under investigation. For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app. Responding officers found a car turned on its side with three people trapped inside. At present due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regular grand juries are not sitting and hearing cases. Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Monday, November 2, 2020, at approximately 8:41 p.m., Franklin Township Police responded to numerous 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting victim inside of a Barber shop located on Hamilton Street, Somerset Section of Franklin Township, New Jersey. Copyright 2023 ABC News Internet Ventures. 6 min read. Police found a man, later identified as Sanchez suffering from a gunshot wound inside the barbershop, Robertson said. Todd C. Smith, 30, of Truman Drive, Edison, and Tayyab A. Ware, 30, of Meadowbrook Drive, Augusta, Georgia were charged in connection with the shooting death of Denny Sanchez, 34 of Franklin Township, announced Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutors Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella M. Spruill. A spokesperson for the state police referred questions to the Attorney Generals Office. A 43-year-old man, identified by police as Richard Franklin, was pronounced dead at the scene. WebAfter a Franklin Township police officer left his police vehicle, one of the drivers involved in the accident entered that police vehicle and drove away. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office at 908-231-7100 or the Officers pursued the cruiser and the chase soon ended in another area of Buena Vista, where an "encounter" between Jackel and police ensued, according to the attorney general's office.