Laurence Harbor ldentified As Old Bridge Police Officer In Fatal Shooting

The victim in a fatal police shooting earlier this week has been identified as a 26-year-old man from Laurence Harbor.

According to the state Attorney General’s Office, Luke Mendez was fatally shot by Old Bridge Police Officer Christopher Hammel on April 24th.

At approximately 3:09 p.m. on Monday, police were dispatched to Woodland Avenue in the Laurence Harbor area of the township in response to a 911 call regarding a dispute. A preliminary investigation has been conducted.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Mendez was wounded and transported to Old Bridge Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 4:47 p.m. Officer Hammel fired his service weapon during the incident.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, a knife was found at the location near Mendez.

According to state law, the Attorney General’s Office is obligated to investigate any deaths that happen during an encounter with police while they are performing their official duties or when an individual is in police custody.