NJ man dead, brother injured in police-involved shooting, authorities say

TRENTON — A 34-year-old man was fatally shot in the chest by an armed, off-duty Trenton police officer who tried to disarm him and break up a fight between several men, authorities said Sunday.

According to Mercer County First Assistant Prosecutor Doris M. Galuchie, the shooting took place following an incident at about 9:50 p.m. Saturday night. Police say an altercation involving several men broke out in the area of 571 Roosevelt St. in Trenton.

During the altercation, Galuchie said a man identified as Constantine Toe, 30, of Trenton, was trying to disarm his brother, Alfred Toe, 34, who had a handgun. During the struggle, police say Constantine was shot in the hand.

Immediately following the fight, an off-duty Trenton police officer drew his gun, and ordered Constantine Toe to the ground, Galuchie said. The officer, whose name has not been released, then confiscated the firearm the man was holding, according to the assistant prosecutor.

At that point, Galuchie said, a struggle ensued.

"While the officer had his own gun in one hand and the gun taken from Toe in the other, Alfred Toe attempted to gain control of one of the weapons," Galuchie said.

During the struggle, Alfred Toe was shot one time in the chest. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later later pronounced dead, according to Galuchie.

Authorities say New Jersey State Police responded and processed the scene, and the incident is being investigated by the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. According to a directive by the Attorney General, all police-involved shootings are investigated and reviewed by the county prosecutor, not the municipal police deprtment that employs the officer.

Galuchie said the officer did not sustain any serious injuries. There have been no arrests or charges filed in connection with the incident, she said.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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