By: Richard L. Smith
Bridgeton resident Tremaine Hadden, 30, was sentenced to 37 years in state prison on September 12, 2023, by State Superior Court Judge John Eastlack. Hadden was found guilty by a jury of shooting Detective Richard Hershey, a New Jersey State Police detective, in 2020.
The incident occurred while Detective Hershey was investigating a Salem County home invasion.
The list of charges against Hadden included aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and several weapons-related offenses.
The sentencing stipulates that Hadden must serve nearly 28 years without parole possibilities.
The shooting unfolded on April 25, 2020, at the Harding Woods mobile home park in Pittsgrove, where Detective Hershey was investigating a recent home invasion.
A group of 15 individuals, armed with various weapons, arrived at the scene in five vehicles around 10:30 p.m., aiming to attack a resident and her property.
As some suspects confronted Detective Hershey, he identified himself and tried de-escalating the situation. Hadden, alongside two others, Najzeir "Naz" Hutchings and Kareen "Kai" Warner, opened fire on Hershey.
Ballistic evidence indicated that over a dozen shots were directed at the detective, with Hadden responsible for nearly eleven of those shots.
Detective Hershey was seriously injured in the encounter but managed to return fire, prompting the suspects to flee.
Fortunately, he has since recovered, resuming his duties, and was later recognized as the NJSP's 2020 Trooper of the Year for his bravery.
Both Hutchings and Warner, also Bridgeton residents, admitted to their roles and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in May.
Hadden's conviction came after a trial held on May 30, 2023.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized the state's commitment to ensuring the safety of law enforcement officers, praising Detective Hershey's dedication and resilience.
Key figures from the Division of Criminal Justice, OPIA, and New Jersey State Police echoed these sentiments, underlining the severity of targeting law enforcement officials and the state's unwavering pursuit of justice.
