Off-Duty N.J. Police Sergeant Fatally Strikes Officer on Traffic Control

A Newark police sergeant struck and killed another Newark police officer in a car crash early Thursday morning outside the Prudential Center.

Jairo Rodriguez, 53, was working as a traffic control officer when he was killed, NJ.com reported. The name of the off-duty sergeant behind the wheel has not been released.

“This tragic news is heartbreaking on so many levels,” Mayor Ras Baraka told Patch. “The pain of losing a public servant committed to keeping drivers and pedestrians safe is difficult.”

Rodriguez, who worked as a traffic control officer, was stationed near Lafayette St. and Broad St. following an Aventura concert at the Prudential Center on Wednesday night, according to NJ.com. The off-duty sergeant, whose vehicle has not been publicly described, struck him around 12:44 a.m. Thursday.

Emergency personnel rushed Rodriguez to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead less than an hour later, NJ.com reported. Rodriguez was married and the father of two daughters, officials said.

Rodriguez joined the Newark Department of Public Safety as a traffic cop in 2022, according to NJ.com. He previously worked for the Prudential Center.

“Due to his consistent demeanor of kindness, warmth and sincerity, he was immediately embraced as a dear brother in blue,” public safety director Emanuel Miranda told the outlet. “We deeply mourn this incredible loss.”

The Essex County prosecutor’s office is investigating the incident.

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