NJ Attorney General releases body camera footage in Hunterdon County man’s death following police encounter
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office released 911 audio, police radio transmissions and body-worn camera footage Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a 61-year-old Hunterdon County man following an encounter with police in March.
The man, identified as Steven Fitzpatrick of Pittstown, died March 15, five days after an encounter with law enforcement in Franklin Township, according to the Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Justice.
Authorities said the encounter occurred March 10, 2026, after police received a 911 call at approximately 10:07 a.m. reporting that Fitzpatrick had left a property on Locust Grove Road following a dispute.
The caller reported that Fitzpatrick had threatened to return with a firearm and kill the caller, according to the preliminary investigation.
Franklin Township Police Officer Tyler Sutton responded to the property, spoke with the caller and obtained additional information from another person at the scene.
While at the location, Sutton observed a vehicle entering the property that was identified as belonging to Fitzpatrick.
According to investigators, Sutton approached the vehicle and repeatedly ordered Fitzpatrick to stop. Once the vehicle stopped, Sutton drew his service weapon and instructed Fitzpatrick several times to place his hands on the steering wheel.
Sutton then ordered Fitzpatrick out of the vehicle. Fitzpatrick complied with instructions to lift his shirt and turn around so the officer could check for weapons.
However, when Sutton directed him to walk toward the officer, Fitzpatrick refused, saying he needed to remain near an oxygen tank inside his vehicle, authorities said.
Investigators said Fitzpatrick was using a cellphone as Sutton continued ordering him to move away from the vehicle. During the phone conversation, Fitzpatrick made a comment about hurting another individual.
Sutton then approached Fitzpatrick, holstered his firearm and attempted to detain him.
Franklin Township Police Officer Mitchell Molina and Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective John Laurencelle arrived to assist.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Fitzpatrick experienced a medical episode while the three officers were handcuffing him.
Officers provided medical assistance until emergency medical personnel arrived. Fitzpatrick was transported to Hunterdon Medical Center for treatment, where he was pronounced dead March 15.
The Division of Criminal Justice is investigating the circumstances surrounding the encounter, along with the cause and manner of Fitzpatrick’s death. Authorities have not announced a determination of what caused his death.
The Attorney General’s Office said the recordings were released under policies intended to promote transparency and impartiality in investigations involving deaths following police encounters.
Representatives of Fitzpatrick’s family were given an opportunity to review the recordings before they were made public.
The released recordings, including the 911 call, police radio communications and body-worn camera footage, are available through the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Under a 2019 New Jersey law, the Attorney General’s Office must investigate deaths that occur during encounters with on-duty law enforcement officers or while a person is in custody.
The law also requires such investigations to be presented to a grand jury to determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges against any officers involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said no additional information is available at this time.
