Fleeing Suspect Hit, Killed by Police Cruiser in Newark

A police pursuit in Newark ended when a suspect trying to flee on foot after a crash was struck and killed by a police cruiser, authorities say.

Thirty-two-year-old Rajon Chambers of Newark was pronounced dead at the scene early Saturday.

Anthony Ambrose, chief of detectives for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, told The Star-Ledger of Newark that the pursuit began around 1:30 a.m., when police responded to an assault report.

As officers arrived on scene, Chambers left in a girlfriend's car. A short pursuit ensued, ending when Chambers crashed into a house. He then exited the car and tried to run, but was struck by the cruiser.

The name of the officer driving the cruiser was not disclosed.

The prosecutor's office and Newark police will investigate the incident, which is standard policy for police-involved deaths.