The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability released police body-worn camera and surveillance footage on Apr. 1 from a fatal police-involved shooting that took place on September 5, 2025, in Jersey City. The decedent was identified as Steven B. Sanchez, age 26.
The release of the recordings follows policies set by the Attorney General’s Office in 2019 to ensure fair and transparent investigations into police use of deadly force. Representatives for Sanchez’s family were allowed to review the footage before it was made public.
According to the investigation, two uniformed Jersey City officers were driving southbound on John F. Kennedy Boulevard when Sergeant Ricardo Reyes, traveling northbound in another marked vehicle, made a U-turn after suspecting someone had shot at his car. A civilian pointed out Sanchez as the possible shooter. Shortly after, both sets of officers attempted to investigate further by making U-turns themselves. Officers saw Sanchez holding what appeared to be a handgun and ordered him to drop it; he then pointed the weapon at them. Sergeant Reyes exited his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with Sanchez, who was struck but returned fire while approaching Reyes before being taken into custody following a struggle.
Medical aid was given until emergency services arrived; Sanchez died later at Jersey City Medical Center. Sergeant Reyes sustained non-life-threatening injuries; no other individuals were harmed during the incident. Investigators recovered a compressed air pistol and projectiles believed to have been fired from that weapon at the scene.
State law requires that any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for review regarding potential indictments against involved officers.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin leads efforts aimed at protecting residents’ lives and property through statewide legal enforcement according to the official website. The office extends its authority across all counties and municipalities according to its official website, influencing public safety through oversight responsibilities as stated online. Its statutory mandate includes enforcing laws, prosecuting offenses, regulating public safety matters according to state sources, providing legal representation for state entities along with crime lab support, victim advocacy, consumer protection initiatives per its website, and operating as an agency focused on justice throughout New Jersey as described officially.
Further information about how such incidents are investigated is available through resources posted by the Attorney General’s Office.
