6 N.J. Officers Suspended in Cover-Up Case

Six police officers were suspended without pay Friday after admitting they lied about not being at a shooting in which an unarmed 17-year-old suspected car thief was wounded.

Mayor Sharpe James and Police Director William Celester said they are not satisfied with the officers’ statements, which were given more than two days after Howard Caesar was shot early Tuesday.

“It is clear that all were involved in a cover-up,” James said. “We are not certain whether only one officer or other officers fired. . . . That is the thrust of our investigation.”

James said the officers had disgraced the department and endangered the peace of the city. He said the prosecutor’s office should be able to use the statements to reconstruct what happened and file charges soon.

Ray Weiss, a spokesman for the prosecutor, declined comment on the mayor’s statements.

Kenneth Holloway was the only officer who admitted firing a weapon, and he said he fired three warning shots either at Caesar or a 15-year-old who had been riding with Caesar. The two had gotten out of a car after it hit a utility pole.

Celester said warning shots violate department policy.

James said there are clear indications that someone returned to the scene to clean up evidence, such as spent cartridges.

Anthony Pope, Holloway’s attorney, said his client does not know for certain whether he was chasing Caesar or the 15-year-old. The 15-year-old faces charges of receiving stolen property, and prosecutors say Caesar could face similar charges if he recovers.

Caesar remained in critical condition Friday with a bullet wound in his abdomen.

Celester said the investigation could spread to include superior officers who were responsible for the six at the scene.

Four of the officers were suspended for filing false reports about the shooting, neglect of duty and wrong conduct on and off duty, Celester said. Two others, who admitted failing to file reports, were suspended for neglect of duty and wrong conduct on and off duty, authorities said.