By: Tracie Carter
New Jersey authorities are investigating a violent overnight shooting in Trenton that claimed the life of a city man and left several others injured, including police officers and a civilian.
According to Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey and Trenton Police Director Steven Wilson, the incident unfolded around 11:25 p.m. Friday, August 29, when a ShotSpotter activation alerted patrol units to multiple rounds fired near North Olden and Ohio avenues.
As officers rushed toward the scene, their patrol car was struck by another vehicle driven by a shooting victim who had lost control after being wounded.
The driver, identified as Andrew Coates, 41, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead a few hours later.
Authorities said a civilian at the scene was also struck and injured by Coates’ vehicle and taken to the hospital for treatment.
While detectives were at the hospital, a second victim arrived suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. He was listed in stable condition.
Two Trenton police officers were treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the collision.
In addition, investigators reported that two unoccupied vehicles and a residence on Indiana Avenue were struck by gunfire, though no one inside the home was injured.
No arrests have been made as the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the Shooting Response Team, and the Trenton Police Department continue their investigation.