HUDSON COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING BY KEARNY POLICE
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating an Officer Involved Shooting that occurred Friday morning in Kearny.
On Friday, January 8, 2021, at approximately 9:20 a.m., members of the Kearny Police Department Street Crimes Unit observed a narcotics transaction in the area of 27 Franklin Place between a juvenile and adult actor. Both actors attempted to flee the area, with the adult driving his vehicle directly at a Kearny Police officer who ordered him to stop. One Kearny Police Detective fired at the vehicle which then fled from the area at a high rate of speed. The suspect led Kearny Police on a pursuit into Newark where he lost control of his vehicle and crashed at Broad Street and Raymond Boulevard. The suspect was apprehended in the area of 222 Market Street. The defendant, later identified as Quamid Johnson, 25 of Newark, was taken to a local hospital for injuries sustained in the crash and released into police custody.
At the time of his arrest, Johnson was found to be in possession of 600 wax folds of heroin, or 182 grams – and approximately $500 in cash.
Johnson was charged with Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), a crime of the second degree; Eluding in violation of N.J.SA. 2C:29-2b, a crime of the second degree; Resisting Arrest in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2c(3)(b), a crime of the third degree; Possession of CDS (Heroin) with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(1), a crime of the first degree; Distribution of CDS (Heroin) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3), a crime of the third degree; and Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a school zone in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7a, a crime of the third degree.
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As is standard protocol, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has been notified and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is working in conjunction with the State Attorney General.