TRENTON (November 9, 2026)— The Attorney General’s Office provided additional details today about an encounter with law enforcement officers that occurred Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Moonachie, Bergen County, New Jersey. During the encounter, an adult male civilian was fatally wounded. The civilian who died during the encounter has been identified as Luis Roberto Castro-Quinonez, 30, of Bakersfield, California. Authorities are not releasing the identity of the involved officer at this time.
According to preliminary information, at approximately 5:15 p.m., New Jersey State Police detectives were conducting an investigation in the area of Gotham Parkway, near the intersection with West Commercial Avenue, in Moonachie. The detectives, operating in plain clothes, were in the area as part of a criminal investigation.
While there, one detective was approached by a male civilian, later identified as Luis Roberto Castro-Quinonez. The detective and Castro-Quinonez interacted, and a second detective arrived to assist. Shortly thereafter, one New Jersey State Police detective discharged his duty-issued weapon twice, striking Castro-Quinonez. Officers attempted to perform medical aid; however, Castro-Quinonez was pronounced deceased at 5:44 p.m.
A 2019 law, N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine whether the evidence supports returning an indictment against the officer or officers involved.
Note: This press release has been updated to correct the decedent’s first name.
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