By: Richard L. Smith
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released the identities of the civilian and police officer involved in a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred earlier this week in Newark.
According to officials, the civilian who died during the encounter has been identified as Mr. Wali Bey, 42, of Newark. 
The officer involved has been identified as Officer Nashid Reynolds, a member of the Newark Police Department.
The incident unfolded shortly after 1 p.m. on January 19, 2026, in the area of Ross Street and Evergreen Avenue.
Authorities said that plainclothes officers, along with uniformed officers and marked police vehicles, were conducting surveillance connected to an active investigation in the neighborhood.
During the operation, Officer Reynolds exited his vehicle and approached other officers and several civilians who had been detained as part of that investigation.
Moments later, Officer Reynolds discharged his firearm, striking two civilians who were inside a vehicle, officials said.
Both individuals were transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment.
Bey was pronounced deceased at 1:51 p.m., according to authorities.
The second civilian sustained injuries but was treated and later released from the hospital. No police officers were physically injured during the incident.
The shooting remains under investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which is overseeing the inquiry in accordance with statewide procedures governing officer-involved shootings. 
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and that no additional details are being released at this time.