TRENTON, N.J. — A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges against Cranford Police Officers Christopher Folinusz and Ryan McSharry in connection with the fatal shooting of a Perth Amboy man on the Garden State Parkway in December 2023, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General announced on Friday.
The incident, which occurred during a police pursuit, led to the death of 40-year-old Kevin Harlfinger after an exchange of gunfire with the officers near Exit 131 in Woodbridge. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation determined that Harlfinger, who had been driving a stolen vehicle, fired at the officers after crashing the vehicle.
The inquiry into the shooting was conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019. The findings were presented to the grand jury, which concluded there was no basis for criminal charges against the officers.
The investigation reviewed mobile video recorder footage, body-worn camera footage, and ballistic evidence, along with interviews and autopsy results. Officials confirmed that a firearm was recovered from Harlfinger, and ballistic testing showed the shell casings at the scene matched his weapon. Officer Folinusz sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound during the incident and was treated and later released from the hospital.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized that the grand jury process followed standard operating procedures established in July 2021 to ensure neutrality and transparency in such cases.
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