Perth Amboy Resident Fatally Shot in Gunfight with Cranford Police on Garden State Parkway

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has identified Kevin Harlfinger, a 40-year-old resident of Perth Amboy, as the man who was fatally shot by Cranford police following a pursuit and exchange of gunfire on the Garden State Parkway at the end of last month.

The two Cranford officers involved in the incident have been identified as Christopher Folinusz and Ryan McSharry. During the pursuit, Harlfinger, who was driving a stolen vehicle, crashed in the Woodbridge area near a southbound exit on the Garden State Parkway.

After the crash, Harlfinger engaged in a gunfight with the Cranford officers, resulting in his death at the scene at approximately 12:04 a.m. on December 29. A firearm was found nearby the deceased. Folinusz sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound and received medical treatment at a hospital before being released, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

Previously, the New Jersey State PBA posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that the officers had encountered a “violent criminal” who had fired shots at them. Additionally, NJ.com reported that Harlfinger, formerly a resident of Metuchen, had been charged with burglary at a Franklin home in 2016.

A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to raise funds for Harlfinger’s funeral expenses. The campaign describes him as “a kind person who drew the short straw in life” and has currently gathered around $2,400 out of its $5,000 goal.

Under New Jersey law, the Attorney General’s Office is obligated to conduct investigations into any death occurring during an encounter with a law enforcement officer in an official capacity or when the person is under police custody. These investigations must be presented to a grand jury to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to indict any involved officers.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.

Email: srussell@gannettnj.com

Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, covering crime, courts, and other mayhem. To gain unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Perth Amboy NJ man killed in gunfight with Cranford police on Parkway