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Man Destroys Neighborhood With Backhoe, Forcing Officer Involved Shooting
Published 2 years ago
CCTV and body camera footage released from the Vineland, NJ, Attorney General's Office, shows the moments 20-year-old Joshua Gonzalez was fatally shot by officers, after he stole a backhoe and began destroying a small neighborhood.
On December 18th, 2021, members of the Vineland Police Department were dispatched to the area of West Park Drive to respond to a 911 call of an individual operating a construction backhoe in an erratic manner. At approximately 5:00 a.m., several Vineland police officers encountered the construction backhoe being operated by Mr. Gonzalez. The police officers attempted to stop him for approximately thirty minutes, during which time Mr. Gonzalez caused extensive damage to several residences and vehicles, including three police cars, an ambulance, and an occupied civilian vehicle.
While the officers were attempting to stop Mr. Gonzalez, Sgt. Louis Platania of the Vineland Police Department fired his weapon, fatally wounding Mr. Gonzalez. Medical aid was rendered by officers and emergency medical personnel. Mr. Gonzalez was pronounced deceased at the scene at approximately 5:48 a.m.
Three Vineland police officers sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were treated and released.
