The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability released on Mar. 12 radio recordings and body-worn camera footage from five officers involved in a fatal police shooting that occurred on January 19 in Newark, New Jersey. The civilian who died was identified as Wali Bey, age 42, of Newark.
The release of these materials is part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in investigations involving fatal encounters with law enforcement. Representatives of Mr. Bey’s family were given the opportunity to review the recordings before they were made public.
According to the investigation, an officer from the Newark Police Department’s Quality-of-Life Unit was conducting surveillance near Ross Street and Thorne Street when suspected narcotics activity was observed. At about 1:09 p.m., a description of two suspect vehicles, including a white Chrysler, was broadcast over police radio. Both plainclothes and uniformed officers responded to the scene. Officer Nashid Reynolds was among those who arrived at approximately 1:11 p.m., where two civilians were detained against the Chrysler while verbal commands were given to Mr. Bey, who was driving.
As officers attempted to detain another civilian, the Chrysler began reversing. Officer Reynolds approached the vehicle, placed his hand on its hood, and ordered Mr. Bey not to move. The vehicle then moved forward, prompting Officer Reynolds to fire his weapon multiple times into the car, striking both Mr. Bey and another occupant. The Chrysler continued down Ross Street before crashing into a parked vehicle; medical aid was provided immediately after by Officer Reynolds.
Both wounded individuals were transported to University Hospital in Newark where Mr. Bey was pronounced dead at 1:51 p.m.; the other civilian received treatment and was later released. Any criminal charges related to civilian suspects are being handled by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Under state law N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), all deaths during encounters with law enforcement must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment decisions regarding involved officers.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement according to the official website. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey according to its official website. It influences public safety through law enforcement oversight across the state as reported by its official website, holds authority for prosecution under its statutory mandate according to its official website, offers victim advocacy as well as consumer protection initiatives according to its official website, and functions as a state agency focused on justice and public safety according to its official website.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
