NJ Cop Charged with Shooting Fleeing Man in Back

A Paterson Police Officer has been charged with shooting a fleeing man in the back this past June.

New Jersey Attorney General, Matthew J. Platkin released a statement saying,

We have promised to never be complacent and we have made a commitment to stand up against unnecessary and excessive uses of force by those with a duty to protect the public, enforce the law and promote justice. There is no more significant action than the use of deadly force.  Not only can it result in the unnecessary loss of life or permanent injuries and disabilities, but instances of uncalled-for, disproportional and destructive use of deadly force sow distrust in, and erodes respect for, law enforcement among the community...

Jerry Moravek, who was a Paterson Police Officer, is accused of shooting 28-year-old Khalif Cooper during a foot pursuit in June 2022.  At the time of the incident, Passaic authorities claimed that the suspect was armed at the time, but state authorities state that body camera footage contradicted that.

Paterson Mayor, Andre Sayegh, defended the officer's actions,

The officer ran towards the shots fired and pursued an individual whom he believed to have a gun.  While it is unfortunate that an individual was shot, a preliminary review reveals that the officer was following guidelines. Several guns and shell casings were recovered from the scene.

 

Confusing the issue is the fact that a firearm was recovered from an area where the pursuit took place.  However, subsequent testing found that there was no DNA or fingerprint evidence to tie the Cooper to the gun.

Jerry Moravek, has been charged with second-degree aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury and second-degree official misconduct.  If Moravek is convicted, he faces 10 years on each count.

N.J. cop faces charges for shooting fleeing man in back, paralyzing him (msn.com)

Paterson Police Officer Facing Aggravated Assault, Official Misconduct Charges After Shooting Fleeing Man in the Back in June 2022 - New Jersey Office of Attorney General (njoag.gov)