The Attorney General’s Office today released two 911 calls and video footage from four body-worn cameras, two civilian cell phones, and two residential surveillance cameras related to a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on December 18, 2021, in Vineland.
The decedent has been identified as Mr. Joshua Gonzalez, 20, of Millville, N.J.
Officials say the fatal shooting remains under investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).
The recordings are being released in response to an OPRA request. According to policies established by the Attorney General’s Office in 2019 that are designed to promote the fair, impartial, and transparent investigation of fatal police encounters.
Investigators said they met today with Mr. Gonzalez’s family to review the recordings.
According to the preliminary investigation, members of the Vineland Police Department were dispatched to the area of West Park Drive to respond to a 911 call of an individual operating a construction backhoe in an erratic manner.
At approximately 5:00 a.m., several Vineland police officers encountered the construction backhoe being operated by Mr. Gonzalez.
The police officers attempted to stop him for approximately thirty minutes, during which time Mr. Gonzalez caused extensive damage to several residences and vehicles, including three police cars, an ambulance, and an occupied civilian vehicle.
While the officers attempted to stop Mr. Gonzalez, Sgt. Louis Platania of the Vineland Police Department fired his weapon, fatally wounding Mr. Gonzalez.
Officers and emergency medical personnel rendered medical aid. Mr. Gonzalez was pronounced deceased at the scene at approximately 5:48 a.m.
Three Vineland police officers sustained minor injuries during the incident.
They were treated and released.
The recordings are posted online: Click here for recordings.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.