South Jersey cops who fatally shot suspect fleeing homicide are cleared

MILLVILLE — Prosecutors say police officers were justified in shooting and killing a suspect following a chase after gunfire left a man dead and a woman critically injured almost two years ago.

The Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday that officers fired in the belief that 55-year-old Jose Pietri posed a threat to the life of an officer in April 2018 in Millville.

Prosecutors said one officer was in fear for his life when he discharged his weapon and two other officers also showed “a reasonable belief" that deadly force was needed to protect the life of that officer.

Authorities have said Pietri was being pursued by three officers following the double shooting earlier in the day in Winslow that left a 47-year-old man dead and a 26-year-old woman badly wounded.

Authorities said the SUV belonging to the homicide victim headed into Millville and got stuck at a dead end. They say Pietri got out and began to raise a gun toward an officer when the two Winslow Township officers and the Millville officer opened fire. Two children — ages 2 and 3 — were reported missing but were later found safe.

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