TRENTON, NJ – On Monday, a state grand jury has decided against filing criminal charges in the case involving Thelonious McKnight, a 25-year-old Paterson resident, who was fatally shot by a Paterson Police Detective on December 29, 2021.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) conducted an investigation into Mr. McKnight’s death.
The evidence, including witness interviews, photographs, autopsy results, and various video footages, was presented to the jury. Detective Mohammed Bashir, who was involved in the shooting, was found not culpable by the jury.
According to the investigation, Detective Bashir, along with other detectives, observed Mr. McKnight engaging in suspicious activities.
An ensuing confrontation led to an exchange of gunfire, where Mr. McKnight was fatally wounded. No other injuries were reported in this incident.