MATAWAN–An off-duty Roselle Park police officer fatally shot himself after crashing into two parked cars at 12:01 p.m. on Jan. 19 near 208 Broad St., in Matawan, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Matawan Police Department responded to a single-vehicle collision involving a 39-year-old Aberdeen resident, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The resident, Patrolman Edward Nortrup, who was an officer in the Roselle Park Police Department, appeared to have lost control of his vehicle and struck two parked cars and then proceeded to partially roll over before coming to a final stop.
The prosecutor’s office reported that while first responders left the vehicle to get equipment to help with the extraction, the driver located a firearm and fatally shot himself in the head. There were no other passengers in the vehicle and no other injuries from the incident.
Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Public Information Officer Chris Swendeman said this was an isolated incident and there is no further danger to the public.
It is with tremendous sadness that Police Chief Daniel J. McCaffery announces the passing of Roselle Park Police Officer Edward Nortrup, according to a prepared statement from the Roselle Park Police Department.
Nortrup was a 13-year-veteran of the Roselle Park Police Department. Nortrup was a co-worker, friend, and a brother. Nortrup attended the John H. Stamler Police Academy graduating in 2007. Nortrup had been a member of the Union County Emergency Response Team.
Always willing to help others, Nortrup was a well-respected member of the law-enforcement community and will be sorely missed. We would ask that you respect the privacy of the family during this time of grieving, according to a prepared statement.
Roselle Park Police Benevolent Association Local 27, launched GoFundMe campaign.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].