A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Joseph Robertson, 59, of Jersey City, who was fatally shot by a Jersey City police officer on May 24, 2022.
The investigation included witness interviews, photographs, medical records, review of video footage, as well as autopsy results from the medical examiner.
This evidence, including video of the incident, was presented to a state grand jury.
After hearing the testimony and evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on Monday, October 2, 2023, and voted “no bill,” meaning no criminal charges should be filed against Officer Omar Polanco.
Authorities say when officers arrived, they encountered Mr. Robertson and a woman near the BP gas station. Mr. Robertson pointed a firearm at the woman.
Officer Polanco ordered him to drop the weapon. Mr. Robertson did not comply, but instead pulled the woman closer to him and placed her in a headlock with the firearm pointed at her. Mr. Robertson fired his weapon one time, striking the woman in the chest.
In response Officer Polanco fired his weapon twice, and both shots struck Mr. Robertson, fatally wounding him.The police recovered Mr. Robinson’s firearm at the scene.
Video footage and a 911 call capturing the events surrounding the shooting were previously released.