By: Richard L. Smith
A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges against New Jersey State Police troopers involved in the February 12, 2024 death of 38-year-old Armond Anthony Avitable of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, according to information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Investigators said troopers responded to a 911 call reporting an active shooter at a Columbia Street home in Knowlton. Inside, officers found a woman with gunshot wounds who was later pronounced dead.
A short time later, police located Avitable near Route 46 and Interstate 80. During a struggle, he was taken into custody but soon suffered a medical episode.
Troopers attempted lifesaving measures before he was transported to a Pennsylvania hospital, where he was pronounced dead less than an hour later.
An autopsy later determined the death was accidental, caused by drug toxicity complicated by cardiovascular disease.
After reviewing 911 recordings, body-worn camera footage, medical records, and witness interviews, the grand jury voted “no bill,” finding no basis for criminal charges against the troopers.
The case was reviewed under the state’s Independent Prosecutor Directive, which requires all deaths during law enforcement encounters or in custody to be presented to a grand jury.