The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability identified on March 20 the civilian and police officer involved in a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on March 16 in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. The deceased has been named as Susanne Clarke, 55, of Lacey, while the officer involved is Dallas Gant of the Lacey Township Police Department.
The identification follows an incident where officers responded to a residence on Hemlock Drive after a 911 call reported a medical event. During an encounter outside the home at approximately 2:44 a.m., Officer Gant fired his service weapon at Ms. Clarke, who was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:24 a.m. A knife was recovered outside the home following the incident.
The Attorney General’s Office said that its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. State law 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 to determine if charges are warranted against involved officers.
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey, influencing public safety through law enforcement oversight across the state according to its official website.
The Attorney General holds authority to enforce laws, prosecute offenses, regulate public safety matters under its statutory mandate, and provides services such as state legal representation, crime lab support, victim advocacy, and consumer protection initiatives according to its official website. The agency functions as a central body for justice and public safety within New Jersey.