Bounty hunter’s fatal shooting of suspected fugitive in Newark remains under investigation

NEWARK — Police and the district attorney’s office continue to investigate after a bounty hunter shot and killed a suspected fugitive last week, authorities said.

The name of the man killed has not yet been released. Police also have not released the name of the bounty hunter or their employer, although they indicated it was a bail bonds company.

The shooting happened about 4:48 p.m. March 19 in the 39000 block of Cedar Boulevard.

Police said the preliminary investigation revealed that a bounty hunter, also known formally as a bail fugitive recovery person, and another employee of a bail-bonds company had responded to the location to attempt to arrest a man who had failed to appear in court, therefore becoming a fugitive on his pending felony charges.

Authorities did not release information about the man’s charges or bail.

Police said that an “altercation” occurred between the bounty hunter and the man and the man was shot. He was able to flee a short distance before being found after collapsing.

The wanted man’s “firearm was located at the scene and recovered by officers,” police said. They did not say if the gun was recovered near where the man was shot or.

Police have not provided additional details about the initial altercation or said if the man shot brandished his gun or fired any shots.

The wounded man was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transported to a hospital, where he later died.

The bounty hunter remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, police said.

Bail fugitive recovery agents track down people on bail who have become fugitives. A new law took effect in 2023, requiring all such workers be licensed by the state’s Department of Insurance, certifying training and background checks.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Newark Police Department Investigations Sergeant Yama Homayoun at 510-578-4920 or yama.homayoun@newark.org. Information can be left anonymously on the “Anonymous Tip” hotline at 510-578-4929.