Thread: Cop Killer Search Continues In N.J.

Cop Killer Search Continues In N.J.

January 15, 2011 8:07 AM
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Patrolman Christopher Matlosz

Patrolman Christopher Matlosz was shot to death following an altercation with an unidentified man on Jan. 14, 2011, in Lakewood, N.J. (Photo credit: Newark Star Ledger/ CBS 2)

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (CBS 2) – A police officer in New Jersey was gunned down during a routine traffic stop and the suspect was still at large Saturday, John Slattery reports.

Investigators said 19-year-old Jahnell Crockam was talking to a police officer one minute, and shooting him dead the next.

“To cause the death of an officer, that is the ultimate and we are very saddened by it,” said Pastor Glenn Wilson.

The victim was Lakewood Township Police officer Christopher Matlosz. It happened just after 4 p.m. Friday.

The 27 year-old officer was alone in his patrol car, a routine stop, sitting in his car, talking to a pedestrian, when, police said, that man pulled a gun out of his bagging clothing, and repeatedly fired at the officer.

“Just a question and answer type of thing that the individual stepped back at one point and suddenly pulled out a handgun a weapon and shot the officer three times,” said prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford.

The officer, dying in the driver’s seat, was able to speak to police dispatch. It’s believed the officer was acquainted with shooter, who ran off into nearby woods.

“Officer Matlosz was engaged to be married. The fiancee was at the hospital,” said Ford.

Within hours, individual police officers began circulating on the internet the name and photo of the suspect. Officer Matlosz joined the Lakewood police force in August of 2006 and only a week ago went from working midnight shifts to evening patrols.

“Chris was one of our most popular officers. He was proactive. You might say he was the best of us,” said Robert Lawson, Lakewood Township Police Chief.


R.I.P Brother thoughts and prayers with friends, family and department.


WANTED



For questioning in connection with the murder
of a Lakewood Township Police Officer

Name: Jahmel Crokam
Date of Birth: July 4, 1991
Age: 19
Height: 5'9
Weight: 220 pounds

R.I.P Bro'.

Homicides of Police Officers are up 37% in the last year -- I have my opinion as to why, and it starts with the lack of support [if not downright hostility] for LEO's from certain elected officials who jump to premature conclusions about our actions.

Also, sas this guy sworn yet not to be captured alive?

Caught Crokam this a.m. in Camden.

Wonder if he thought Camden was going to be a safe haven with the fifty% layoff of police officers there.