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The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office has completed its investigation into the Aug. 23, 2021, use of force by Officer Vincent Leonetti of the Monroe Township Police Department and Sergeant James Graham of the Deptford Township Police Department.
CCPO determined that it is not necessary to present this matter to the Grand Jury because there were no material facts in dispute regarding the lawfulness of the use of force, the prosecutor said.
The incident occurred at Cape Cod Drive in Deptford Township. Officers from multiple jurisdictions engaged in a search for an individual wanted in Pennsylvania for attempted murder, and who had stolen a police vehicle earlier in the day, the prosecutor said.
Officer Leonetti, Sergeant Graham, and a third officer were dispatched to Cape Cod Drive and Barnesboro Road to help with the search. The officers saw the wanted individual and ordered him to surrender. The individual entered the backyard of a nearby residence, and Officer Leonetti pursued the suspect. The suspect, armed with a handgun, opened fire on Officer Leonetti, who was struck in the ear and the hand, the prosecutor said.
Officer Leonetti returned fire, and the suspect walked to the front of the home. The suspect saw Sergeant Graham in the driveway and opened fire on Sergeant Graham. Sergeant Graham was not injured and was able to return fire. The suspect was struck and later collapsed in front of the home. Medical aid was immediately given to the suspect. Officer Leonetti was transported to a hospital and treated for his injuries.
Both Officers stated that they were in fear for their lives when the wanted suspect opened fire on them, the prosecutor said. The Officers believed that discharging their weapons was necessary for the protection of their lives. An independent analysis of the undisputed material facts led to the determination that the Officers’ beliefs were reasonable, and the uses of force in this matter were justified pursuant to all applicable laws and the Attorney General Guidelines, the prosecutor said.
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