Newark officer fights to save his career after fatal shooting

By  Blue Magazine Staff Writer

NEWARK, N.J. –Nearly four months ago Officer Jovanny Crespo’s life changed forever when he was suspended and ultimately indicted after a fatal police-involved shooting during a police chase through the streets of Newark. Crespo, 26, was suspended and ultimately indicted for aggravated assault, aggravated manslaughter, official misconduct and two counts of possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. After spending a week in jail, he was released on the condition that he report to a court officer on a weekly basis and surrender any firearms he may own.

On January 28th, 2019, the chase began after Gregory C. Griffin, 46, of Newark, who had a history of drug offenses, opted to flee a traffic stop after a handgun was spotted in the vehicle by another officer. Crespo, along with Officer Hector Ortiz, began pursuing the vehicle. Crespo has stated that Dixon pointed the weapon in the vehicle at him. Dixon was subsequently charged with possession of an illegal firearm. The gun contained hollow point bullets.

Crespo was only doing his job and he should never have been indicted. Some of his law enforcement brethren have failed their fellow brother in blue by not offering him their unwavering support.  Crespo is being made an example of due to some of the other high-profile incidents involving officers who have been guilty of misconduct on the job. Crespo has been an exemplary officer and is being unfairly cast as a villain for political purposes.

“It’s not like he woke up that morning and decided that he was going to kill somebody,” said one of Crespo’s supporters. “People shouldn’t try to judge what he did unless they were in the same situation that he was in. Everyone should wait until he has his day in court and wait for all of the facts to come out before they judge him.”

Due to Crespo being on unpaid suspension, his supporters are rallying to help the married father of four. A fundraiser will be held for him on June 5th, 2019 from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at the Harmony Banquet Ballroom located at 620 Orange Street in Newark. Tickets are $25.00. Anyone wishing to make a donation to help with Crespo’s mounting legal fees can go to: GoFundMe.com/crespofamily.