A domestic violence call in the early hours of May 29, 2025, turned fatal when police in Middlesex County shot and killed a man suspected of attacking a woman and violating a restraining order.
The incident unfolded around 1:00 a.m. in the Port Reading section of Woodbridge Township. According to preliminary information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, local police responded to a 911 call reporting a violent domestic dispute at a residence on East Tappen Street.
Suspect Identified
Authorities identified the deceased suspect as Aamir Allen, 35, of Carteret, New Jersey. Allen was accused of violating a restraining order by attacking a woman and vandalizing her vehicle with a baseball bat. According to reports, Allen allegedly struck the woman’s SUV and physically assaulted her before fleeing the scene on foot.
When officers arrived at the location, they encountered a visibly shaken victim and a trail that led them to a nearby convenience store on Port Reading Avenue. There, they spotted Allen still wielding the same baseball bat used in the earlier attack.
Confrontation Turns Deadly
The confrontation outside the store escalated quickly. Despite multiple verbal commands from officers to drop the weapon, Allen refused to comply. During the tense encounter, Sergeant Marco Bruno discharged his service weapon, striking Allen. The officer involved has since been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Emergency responders immediately transported Allen to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. He was later pronounced dead at 9:21 a.m., according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Independent Investigation Underway
As required by New Jersey law, any incident involving the use of deadly force by law enforcement must be investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), a division of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. This policy ensures transparency and accountability in all police-involved shootings across the state.
“The investigation is active and ongoing,” the Attorney General’s Office stated. “No further information is being released at this time to preserve the integrity of the process.”
You can learn more about how the state investigates these incidents by visiting the New Jersey Attorney General’s official website.
Background on the Victim and Previous Restraining Order
The woman involved in the domestic dispute has not been publicly named to protect her identity. Sources familiar with the case indicated that Allen had a prior restraining order issued against him due to a history of threatening behavior. Thursday’s attack marked a serious escalation that prompted the emergency call to police.
Domestic violence advocates warn that restraining orders, while a critical tool for safety, are sometimes not enough to deter offenders with a pattern of aggression. This incident highlights the high risks victims face even after seeking legal protection.
Community Reaction
The shooting has shocked residents of Woodbridge Township, a suburban community in Middlesex County known for its quiet neighborhoods and family-friendly atmosphere. Some residents expressed concern over the level of force used, while others defended the officers, noting the danger involved in confronting an armed suspect.
“This is tragic for everyone,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “But what else were the officers supposed to do when someone’s coming at them with a bat?”
What Happens Next?
The OPIA will now conduct a full review of the incident, including gathering body camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing forensic evidence. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any criminal charges or policy changes are warranted.
Under Attorney General Directive 2019-4, the state follows strict guidelines to ensure all law enforcement actions involving deadly force are independently investigated. Final findings are typically published publicly and may include recommendations for reform or training improvements.
A Broader Look at Domestic Violence and Law Enforcement
This incident comes amid a nationwide conversation about police use of force and the challenges officers face during domestic violence calls which are often considered among the most dangerous types of emergency responses.
Data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows that domestic calls frequently involve high emotions, unpredictable behavior, and potential weapons, putting both victims and officers at risk.
Law enforcement experts emphasize the need for better de-escalation training and support services for domestic violence survivors, many of whom hesitate to call 911 due to fear of retaliation or escalation.
