TRENTON, NJ – Merrill Rambarose, 49, of Edison was fatally shot by Edison Police Department officers on April 12, 2022. The incident underwent investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and was presented to the state grand jury in line with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.
The probe encompassed witness accounts, photographs, video footage evaluations, and autopsy results. This information, inclusive of the incident video, was presented to the state grand jury.
On Monday, the jury opted for “no bill” against Officer Daniel Bradley and Officer Joseph Elqumos of the Edison Police Department, meaning they believe no criminal charges are warranted.
Per the investigation’s findings, Edison police responded to a 911 call just after 3:45 p.m., reporting a man threatening a woman with an axe at an apartment complex on Judson Street. Officers tried engaging Mr. Rambarose on his balcony, but he soon brandished an axe and charged at them. Despite several warnings, Mr. Rambarose didn’t drop the weapon. Officers Bradley and Elqumos opened fire, causing fatal injuries. Mr. Rambarose was pronounced dead at JFK University Medical Center at 4:41 p.m.
Video recordings from the officers’ body cameras during the event have been made public and can be accessed online.