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LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING

On 11/17/2015, at approximately 1135 am, the Little Egg Harbor Police Department responded to 510 Wild Oaks Drive reference a telephone call placed by a concerned family member requesting a well-being check of Francis D. Hartnett, 47, who resides at that location. The caller advised LEHPD that Mr. Hartnett was possibly suicidal, and was attempting to harm himself.

Patrol officers, along with department detectives, responded to investigate. Upon their arrival, they received no response from within the apartment. They proceeded to gain entry into the apartment, announced their presence and immediately encountered Mr. Harnett brandishing a knife. Using verbal commands, officers directed Hartnett to “drop the knife”, as he began to advance towards them. At this time, multiple officers discharged their department issued firearms striking Harnett multiple times. Francis D. Harnett was pronounced by Dr. Kosturao of Newark Beth Israel Hospital at 12:36 pm via telemetry.

The subsequent investigation found the decedent suffered from depression, and had several previous suicide attempts.

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