In a recent disclosure, the Office of the Attorney General in New Jersey has revealed the identity of the suspect who was fatally shot by Cranford police during a pursuit and exchange of gunfire on the Garden State Parkway. The suspect has been identified as 40-year-old Kevin Harlfinger, a resident of Perth Amboy. The incident, which took place towards the end of last month, involved Cranford police officers Christopher Folinusz and Ryan McSharry.

Stolen Vehicle Leads to Intense Gunfight

The dramatic chain of events began when Harlfinger, driving a stolen vehicle, crashed in Woodbridge. The crash triggered a high-stakes gunfight between Harlfinger and the pursuing police officers. Tragically, Harlfinger lost his life at the scene, and law enforcement discovered a firearm in close proximity. Officer Folinusz sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound during the intense exchange and has since been discharged from the hospital.

Harlfinger’s Criminal History and Ongoing Investigation

According to the New Jersey State PBA, Harlfinger was described as a ‘violent criminal’ at the time of the incident. He had previous charges for burglary dating back to 2016. However, in contradiction to this description, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to cover Harlfinger’s funeral expenses, depicting him as a ‘kind-hearted individual’ who had faced numerous challenges in life.

Under New Jersey law, any fatality that occurs during police encounters or while in custody mandates an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General. Following this investigation, a grand jury review is conducted to determine if any indictments are necessary. Currently, the investigation into the shooting of Harlfinger remains ongoing, and no further details have been released.