Off-duty Newark police officer charged in traffic agent's death: police
NEWARK (WABC) -- Many are calling for justice following the arrest Thursday of a police officer who struck and killed a traffic agent in Newark.
Supporters of 53-year-old Jairo Rodriguez gathered on the steps of Newark City Hall on Thursday.
Sergeant Victor Ortiz, 34, was charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide in the death of Rodriguez, who was a Newark Traffic Control Officer.
"Our family has not been able to grieve since that day. Today we will have some peace to start to grieve," Mace Hernandez, Rodriguez's nephew said during the protest Thursday.
The peace came as the man who allegedly killed Rodriguez traded in his police blues for an orange jumpsuit.
Newark Police Sergeant Ortiz appeared virtually before a judge on Thursday after surrendering to authorities.
Sergeant Ortiz was off duty when he hit Rodriguez who was directing traffic near the Prudential Center after an event on December 11, police said.
Rodriguez was taken to University Hospital where he died just before 2 a.m.
"21 days. We don't know why it took so long. We will be going to internal affairs to see if any misconduct was committed on December 12th, 2024 that night," Hernandez said.
Ortiz was placed under strict home detention, only allowed to leave for court and to go to church.
The Rodriguez family is calling for justice.
"The proper time given to this person that made these reckless decisions that killed my uncle Jairo Juan Rodriguez that was working that night providing for his family," Hernandez said.
Ortiz did remain at the scene after hitting Rodriguez, police said.
An attorney for Ortiz released a statement saying:
"Sgt Ortiz and his family offer their thoughts and prayers for Traffic Control Officer Rodriguez's family as a result of the accident that occurred on December 12th. Sgt Ortiz stopped after the accident and complied will all directives from the officers at the scene and received medical attention himself following the accident. While we have yet to receive or review any discovery in this case, we trust that when same is provided, it will show that no criminal culpability exists with respect to Sgt Ortiz's conduct that evening."
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