WEST NEW YORK — A Hudson County sheriff's officer who was facing charges after allegedly smashing his car into a Bayonne bar last month died Monday morning after shooting himself, authorities said.

Alex Ferrer, 41, was found dead inside his home on Boulevard East with what authorities believe is a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities were notified by a 911 call placed about 12:55 am., according to a spokesman for the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari said Tuesday that his office is "extremely saddened by the terrible news."

"Alex served in our Court Division and SWAT Team, and had been a member of our department for the past 4 years. We offer our deepest condolences and our heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones."

Ferrer had been suspended without pay last month after an arrest at the scene of a car crash into a bar in Bayonne at 4:19 a.m. May 14. Police said Ferrer had been driving the car while intoxicated.

Last year, 19 law enforcement officials in New Jersey took their own lives, a state police union official told New Jersey 101.5 in March after the suicide of Sayreville Det. Matt Kurtz.

The state operates several help-lines and support groups aimed at police and corrections officers, including the 1-866-COP-2COP hotline.

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