AG’s office releases video footage from ongoing investigation of a death following an encounter with NJ state troopers in Warren County

KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) — The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) released footage Monday from police body-worn cameras, as well as radio and communication transmissions and a 911 call, capturing the events surrounding the death of an individual on February 12, 2024, following an encounter with New Jersey state troopers.

The fatal police encounter, which occurred in Knowlton Township, is under investigation by OPIA. The individual who died has been identified as Armond Anthony Avitable IV, 38, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

The video recordings and communications are being released pursuant to policies established by the Attorney General’s Office in 2019, designed to promote fair, impartial, and transparent investigations into fatal police encounters. Investigators previously met with representatives of Avitable’s family to review the recordings.

According to the preliminary investigation, members of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) responded on February 12, 2024, to a 911 call received at around 7:51 p.m. reporting an active shooter at a residence on Columbia Street in Knowlton.

Upon entering the residence, police found one female victim suffering from gunshot wounds. She was later pronounced deceased. A description of the suspect was obtained, and troopers located Avitable, who matched the description, in the vicinity of Route 46 and Interstate 80.

At approximately 8:10 p.m., NJSP Sgt. Kyle Bruno, along with responding State Troopers Sarah Heitzenroeder, Justin Watts, Conner McNemar, and Connor Krueger, took Avitable into custody following a struggle. While in custody, Avitable suffered a medical episode and became unresponsive. NJSP troopers performed lifesaving efforts, including the use of an automated external defibrillator, until emergency medical personnel arrived to render aid.

Avitable was transported by ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital — Pocono (Mount Pocono Regional) in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 8:57 p.m.

The view and listen to the recordings, click here.

“The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time,” authorities said.