Off-Duty Newark Police Officer Strikes, Kills Pedestrian

The Essex County Prosecutor is investigating the fatal crash that occurred in Newark early on October 19.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Accidents

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a city street intersection, evoking the gravity of an ongoing fatal crash investigation.
The Essex County Prosecutor is investigating a fatal early morning crash in Newark involving an off-duty police officer who struck a pedestrian. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

An off-duty Newark police officer struck and killed a 37-year-old pedestrian at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and North 6th Street. The victim, identified as Sequndo Reyes Lligun, was pronounced dead at University Hospital.

Why it matters

The Essex County Prosecutor has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident involving a member of the local police department. Authorities have confirmed the officer remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing probe.

The Essex County Prosecutor is conducting an active investigation into the crash that occurred at 2:06 a.m. Preliminary reports indicate the driver showed no signs of impairment and is fully cooperating with the authorities.

The players

Essex County Prosecutor

This office serves as the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating criminal matters and fatal accidents occurring within Essex County.

Sequndo Reyes Lligun

The 37-year-old individual who was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street.

Newark Police Department

The local municipal law enforcement agency that employs the officer involved in the collision.

University Hospital

The medical facility in Newark where the victim was pronounced dead following the incident.

The details

The incident took place during the early morning hours, leading to a pronouncement of death at University Hospital shortly after the collision occurred. Investigators are currently reviewing the sequence of events at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and North 6th Street.

Timeline

  1. The crash occurred at 2:06 a.m. on October 19, 2026.

  2. The victim was pronounced dead at 2:36 a.m. on October 19, 2026.

Legal Context

This investigation follows standard oversight protocols for police-involved fatalities, similar to those mandated by the New Jersey Attorney General Directive 2019-4. These procedures ensure an independent review process whenever a law enforcement officer is involved in a fatal incident.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and North 6th Street, an area frequently used by local commuters and residents. Officials are expected to provide updates as the investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor proceeds.

The takeaway

Authorities are currently working to finalize their report on the circumstances of the collision. Residents are advised to stay informed through official county updates as the investigation continues.

Further reading

For more information on road safety and local updates, visit the Accidents section.