By: Richard L. Smith
A state grand jury has voted not to bring criminal charges against a Guttenberg police officer following a fatal 2024 incident, according to information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
The case centered on the death of 26-year-old Brandon Lee Ortega, of Mexia, Texas, who died during an encounter with police on November 12, 2024.
After reviewing the investigation, jurors returned a “no bill” decision on March 23, 2026, meaning they found no basis for criminal charges against Officer Brandon Sauerwald of the Guttenberg Police Department.
The investigation was conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), in accordance with a 2019 directive issued after New Jersey enacted a law requiring the Attorney General’s Office to investigate deaths that occur during police encounters.
Authorities said the probe included extensive evidence, such as witness interviews, 911 calls, radio communications, surveillance footage, body-worn camera video, photographs, and autopsy findings.
All materials were presented to the grand jury prior to its decision.
According to investigators, officers were dispatched around 11:02 p.m. to the area of 68th Street and Bellevue Avenue in Guttenberg following a report of a disturbance.
A property owner told responding officers that a woman who had rented a room never arrived, but instead a group of individuals attempted to gain entry.
When denied, an argument broke out, and one of the men—later identified as Ortega—was reported to have displayed a blue-colored firearm.
Police canvassed the area and located Ortega near John F. Kennedy Boulevard East. Officials said Ortega fled, prompting a brief foot pursuit.
During the incident, he allegedly attempted to carjack a vehicle but was unsuccessful. As the situation unfolded, Ortega climbed over a railing and fell approximately 68 feet.
Emergency responders arrived, but Ortega was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators recovered a firearm with a metallic blue finish from his person.
As part of the state’s transparency policies, authorities have released body camera footage, surveillance video, and 911 recordings related to the incident.
Officials also confirmed that Ortega’s family was given the opportunity to review the materials prior to their public release.