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Non-fatal shooting in Columbia under investigation

Theo

TRENTON, NJ— A shocking case of police misconduct culminated in the guilty plea of ​​New Jersey State Police Trooper Nicolas J. Hogan, 28, of Gibbstown, New Jersey. The incident, which involved the assault of a handcuffed woman, occurred in the early morning hours of September 7, 2022, in Upper Deerfield Township, Cumberland County.

During a hearing on July 25, 2024, Hogan confessed to third-degree aggravated assault after striking the woman in the face with a metal flashlight while she was restrained in the back seat of a police vehicle. The hearing, presided over by State Supreme Court Judge Joseph M. Chiarello, revealed the disturbing details of the altercation.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), led by Executive Director Drew Skinner, has barred Hogan from ever holding public office or public employment again as part of a plea agreement. In addition, prosecutors will recommend a suspended sentence for Hogan at the upcoming sentencing hearing, potentially including up to 364 days in the county jail.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized that Hogan’s actions were a dereliction of duty, explaining that while police officers often face difficult situations, they must exercise caution when using force. The victim, who was initially stopped because he appeared to be drunk and walking in the middle of the road, became distressed during the arrest, leading to an escalation that culminated in a physical attack.

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