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Juan Martinez, 40, of Newark, suffered non-life-threatening wounds in the shooting in June 2023.
Here is a synopsis of the confrontation provided by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office:
On June 27, 2023, Woodbridge police received a report that a Dodge Ram parked at the Sansone Auto Mall had “suffered an impact.” In response, Woodbridge Police Officer Jean Rastegarpanah and Officer Vincent Pardee responded to the car dealership, which was closed. The officers arrived at approximately 2:30 a.m. and approached a Dodge Ram on foot. They observed, through fogged windows, that there was a person, later identified as Juan Martinez, inside. The officers ordered Martinez to exit the vehicle, but he did not comply.
Then, a black SUV entered the dealership parking lot and drove in the direction of Officers Rastegarpanah and Pardee at a high rate of speed. The SUV also made several turns and was driving erratically before coming to a stop next to the Dodge Ram.
Rastegarpanah and Pardee both fired their weapons in the direction of the black SUV. Martinez was struck three times as he exited the Dodge Ram and entered the rear of the Black SUV, which fled from the scene.
According to their later formal statements, the officers "feared for their lives."
Martinez was treated at a local hospital. Upon discharge, Martinez was charged with burglary.
The driver of the vehicle, Alex Martinez, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and hindering apprehension. He remains at large.
By concluding that the officers were legally justified in their use of deadly force, the grand jury decided not to lodge criminal charges against the officers.
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