Off-duty N.J. sergeant fatally struck traffic control cop, officials say

According to investigators, a city traffic control officer was monitoring traffic early Thursday after an event at the Prudential Center when he was tragically struck by an off-duty Newark police sergeant.

Newark Traffic Control Officer Jairo Rodriguez, 53, was killed in the crash on Broad Street at approximately 12:44 a.m., according to municipal officials.

Rodriguez, a parent and spouse who joined the police force in 2022, was sent to University Hospital. Officials reported that he was declared deceased at 1:37 a.m.

The driver, a city police sergeant who was not on duty, stayed at the scene, according to a representative for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Since the inquiry is ongoing, the prosecutor’s office stated that they would not be disclosing the police sergeant’s name.

According to Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, the motorist was treated at St. Michael’s Hospital on Thursday and was in stable condition despite having unidentified injuries.

Whether the sergeant was in uniform and operating a city-owned car when Rodriguez was hit was also unclear.

Baraka and Emanuel Miranda, Sr., the director of public safety, said in a statement that Rodriguez was well-liked and respected by his colleagues. According to officials, Rodriguez was employed at Prudential Arena before joining the city.

According to the statement, he was welcomed right away as a beloved brother in blue because of his constant display of warmth, friendliness, and sincerity.

According to the mayor’s office, Rodriguez not only directed traffic in Newark but also kept an eye on parking meters and bus lanes.

The statement said, “We pray for his wife and two daughters’ strength and comfort as we deeply mourn this incredible loss.”

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Anthony G. Attrino

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You may contact Anthony G. Attrinomay [email protected]. @TonyAttrino is his Twitter handle. Facebook page for FindNJ.com.

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