Grand jury declines charges against NJ state troopers after man’s death in Warren County
KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against New Jersey State Police members in connection with the death of a man who died following an encounter with troopers in Knowlton Township, on Feb. 12, 2024.
The decedent was identified as 38-year-old Armond Anthony Avitable of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. His death was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to a grand jury in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.
In July 2021, OPIA issued standard operating procedures to ensure such presentations are conducted “in a neutral, objective manner, with appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the directive.”
The investigation included 911 calls, radio transmissions, witness interviews, photographs, video footage, medical records, and toxicology and autopsy results. Evidence, including video of the incident, was presented to the grand jury, which concluded its deliberations last week and returned a “no bill,” finding no criminal charges should be filed against the troopers.
According to the investigation, NJSP members responded to a 911 call at 7:51 p.m. on Feb. 12, 2024, reporting an active shooter at a residence on Columbia Street in Knowlton.
Inside the residence, officers found a female victim with gunshot wounds. She was later pronounced dead. Troopers then located Avitable, who matched the suspect description, near Route 46 and Interstate 80.
At 8:10 p.m., Sgt. Kyle Bruno and 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. Troopers attempted lifesaving measures, including use of an automated external defibrillator, until emergency medical personnel arrived.
Avitable was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead at 8:57 p.m. An autopsy later determined his death was accidental, caused by “drug toxicity complicating hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.”
Under state law, the Attorney General’s Office must investigate all deaths that occur during an encounter with law enforcement or while the decedent is in custody. Such cases are required to be presented to a grand jury to determine if charges are warranted.
The conflicts check conducted under the Independent Prosecutor Directive found no conflicts of interest in the investigation. Prior to presentation, the case was reviewed by the OPIA Executive Director.
At the conclusion of the investigation, OPIA determines whether the case should be referred for administrative review under the Attorney General’s Internal Affairs Policy and Procedures. OPIA monitors that review to ensure timely completion and appropriate action.
