Off-Duty New Jersey State Police Detective Found Guilty After Deadly High-Speed Motorcycle Pursuit
A New Jersey State Police detective has been convicted in connection with a deadly high-speed pursuit that ended with the death of a motorcyclist in Burlington County in 2023. The case drew statewide attention after investigators revealed that the detective was off duty, driving an unmarked vehicle, and failed to follow official pursuit procedures during the incident.
According to authorities, a jury found Detective Mark Campagna guilty of fourth-degree endangering another person following a criminal investigation into the fatal chase. The verdict was announced Thursday by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office after prosecutors presented evidence related to the pursuit and crash.
Officials said the incident happened on June 20, 2023, when Campagna encountered 24-year-old Omar Kebbabi of Astoria, New York, on Route 206 in Springfield Township. Investigators stated that Campagna, who was not working his scheduled shift at the time, began following the motorcycle while driving an unmarked New Jersey State Police vehicle.
Authorities said both vehicles reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour during the pursuit. Investigators also found that Campagna did not activate emergency lights or sirens while following the motorcycle and did not notify law enforcement dispatchers, which is required under the state’s vehicular pursuit policy.
During the investigation, Campagna reportedly claimed he was attempting to obtain the motorcycle’s license plate number rather than conduct a traffic stop. However, prosecutors argued that his actions created a dangerous situation on public roads and unnecessarily placed other drivers at risk.
The pursuit continued through several lane changes before ending near the intersection of Route 206 and Jacksonville-Jobstown Road shortly before 4:50 p.m. Authorities said Kebbabi crashed into another vehicle that was attempting to make a left turn across the roadway.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, and a Springfield police officer attempted to provide medical assistance. Kebbabi was later pronounced dead at the location of the crash. Officials confirmed that the driver of the other vehicle did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said portions of the pursuit were captured by commercial surveillance cameras along the roadway. Additional footage was also recorded by a Springfield police officer’s mobile video system. According to authorities, the officer who recorded part of the incident was initially unsure whether Campagna was a law enforcement officer because the vehicle was unmarked and no emergency equipment had been activated.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office later released video footage connected to the investigation. Officials warned that the footage contains scenes from the fatal crash that some viewers may find disturbing.
Under New Jersey law, any incident involving a police officer that results in the death of a civilian is reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office. The findings are then presented to a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.
After reviewing testimony and evidence, a state grand jury voted in June 2025 to charge Campagna in the case. Authorities said the conviction now carries serious consequences for the detective’s law enforcement career.
A fourth-degree conviction in New Jersey can result in a prison sentence of up to 18 months and fines reaching $10,000. State law also requires the revocation of a police officer’s license following conviction for an indictable offense.
Campagna is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30.
In a statement released after the verdict, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said investigators found no lawful reason for the pursuit and described the chase as reckless and unnecessary. Officials emphasized that the case highlights the dangers of unauthorized high-speed pursuits and the importance of following state pursuit policies designed to protect public safety.
Sources
New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
New Jersey State Grand Jury Proceedings
Official Investigation Records Released by New Jersey Authorities
