By: Richard L. Smith
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released police body-camera footage, 911 recordings, and radio communications connected to an encounter with law enforcement in Hunterdon County that preceded the death of a 61-year-old man.
According to information released by the Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Justice, Steven Fitzpatrick, of Pittstown, died on March 15, 2026, five days after experiencing a medical emergency while officers attempted to take him into custody in Franklin Township.
The incident began on March 10, when police received a 911 call around 10:07 a.m. reporting that Fitzpatrick had allegedly threatened to return to a Locust Grove Road property with a firearm and kill the caller following a dispute.
Franklin Township Police Officer Tyler Sutton responded and was gathering information when Fitzpatrick reportedly returned to the property in a vehicle.
Authorities said Sutton ordered Fitzpatrick to stop, place his hands on the steering wheel, and exit the vehicle. Fitzpatrick complied with several commands, including lifting his shirt and turning around so the officer could check for weapons.
However, investigators said Fitzpatrick refused to move away from his vehicle, explaining that he needed to remain near an oxygen tank inside.
As the encounter continued, Sutton attempted to detain Fitzpatrick, assisted by Franklin Township Officer Mitchell Molina and Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective John Laurencelle.
During the handcuffing process, Fitzpatrick experienced a medical episode. Officers provided emergency assistance until medical personnel arrived.
He was transported to Hunterdon Medical Center, where he died five days later.
The Attorney General’s Office said the circumstances surrounding the encounter, along with the cause and manner of Fitzpatrick’s death, remain under investigation.
Officials said the recordings were released under state transparency guidelines, and Fitzpatrick’s family was offered an opportunity to review the footage before its public release.
The recordings can be viewed through the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office Video Release.
No additional information has been released as the investigation continues.