A review of the circumstances surrounding the incident in which a teenager was struck and killed by a vehicle being driven by an off-duty New Jersey State Trooper on Central Avenue in Westfield on March 4th did not reveal a basis for criminal charges, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park and Westfield Police Chief David Wayman said in a joint statement Wednesday.
The determination was made as a result of an investigation involving the Prosecutor’s Office and Westfield Police Department, assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit and Union County Police Department.
“This was a tragic accident, and we want to extend our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the deceased,” Prosecutor Park said.
“No investigation involving loss of life is ever routine, but this particular investigation, involving the loss of a beloved 14-year-old, was particularly difficult for our police officers – parents themselves who put forth every possible effort in making sure that all relevant information was reviewed,” Chief Wayman added.
“This was a very tragic accident that touched everyone in the Westfield community in some way, and though the investigation has been completed, we know the grieving has not. I speak for all Westfield Police Officers – especially those who were at the accident scene and those conducting the investigation – when I say that our deepest condolences remain with the family.”