State grand jury declines to charge Woodbridge police officer in fatal crash
The decision follows a state investigation into a February crash that killed a juvenile passenger after an encounter involving a Woodbridge police officer.
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A state grand jury declined to bring criminal charges against a Woodbridge police officer in connection with a fatal crash during a law enforcement encounter in February, according to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office.
The grand jury voted not to indict Officer Khari Manzini following an investigation into his actions related to the Feb. 20, 2026, crash. The crash killed a juvenile passenger in a vehicle driven by Mikael Salman, 18, of Iselin.
According to the attorney general's office, the grand jury completed its deliberations Nov. 9 and concluded that no criminal charges should be filed against Manzini.
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The attorney general's office said Salman was driving a Nissan Maxima on Route 1 shortly before midnight Feb. 19 when Manzini, who was in a marked patrol vehicle, attempted to catch up to the Nissan. Investigators said the Nissan traveled from Route 1 south onto residential streets before reentering Route 1 south.
About one minute after reentering Route 1 south, the Nissan collided with a second vehicle near Gill Lane, according to investigators.
The juvenile passenger in the Nissan was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. Salman was hospitalized with injuries. Investigators also said a dog was found dead inside the Nissan.
READ MORE: Attorney General releases video, radio transmissions in fatal Woodbridge police encounter
The occupants of the second vehicle suffered serious injuries and were taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment. Authorities said the police vehicle was not directly involved in the collision.
The investigation included a review of surveillance video, vehicle recorder footage, radio transmissions, autopsy reports and interviews with law enforcement officers and civilians, the attorney general's office said.
According to the attorney general's office, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office is investigating Salman's conduct. He faces multiple charges.
