The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability identified on Apr. 1 the civilian and police officer involved in a fatal vehicle crash that occurred March 20 in the Marlton section of Evesham Township, Burlington County. The deceased was Joseph J. Meadowcroft, age 22, of Evesham.
Authorities said Officer Robert Haynes of the Evesham Township Police Department attempted to stop a Ford Mustang driven by Meadowcroft during the early morning hours. According to investigators, Meadowcroft’s vehicle collided with an uninvolved tractor-trailer near Route 73 and Lincoln Drive at approximately 4:38 a.m. Meadowcroft was pronounced dead at the scene while the truck driver was uninjured. Officials confirmed that Haynes’ marked police vehicle did not collide with either vehicle.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information has been released by authorities at this time.
N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2) requires that any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while in custody be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment consideration against involved officers.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin leads efforts to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement according to the official website. The office extends its authority throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey according to its official site. It influences public safety through law enforcement oversight across the state as reported by its website.
Under its statutory mandate, Platkin’s office holds statewide authority to enforce laws, prosecute offenses, and regulate public safety matters according to official information. Services provided include legal representation for state agencies, oversight of law enforcement operations, crime lab support services, victim advocacy programs, and consumer protection initiatives according to its website. The agency functions as a central body focused on justice and public safety throughout New Jersey as described online.
