FORT LEE, NJ — The Attorney General’s Office has identified both the decedent and the Fort Lee police officer involved in a fatal shooting that occurred early on July 28, 2024. The victim has been named as Victoria G. Lee, 26, of Fort Lee.
The incident began around 1:25 a.m. when Fort Lee police responded to a 911 call from a man reporting a mental health crisis involving his sister, who was reportedly holding a knife. The call led officers to “The Pinnacle” apartment complex on Main Street.
Upon arrival, an officer spoke with the caller outside the apartment. The officer then opened the door to find Victoria Lee and another female inside. The two women refused to open the door further and instructed the officer to leave. After repeated requests for the door to be opened, officers forcibly entered the apartment. As Ms. Lee approached the officers in the hallway, Officer Tony Pickens, Jr. fired a single shot, striking her in the chest. Despite immediate medical aid, Ms. Lee was pronounced dead at Englewood Hospital at approximately 1:58 a.m. A knife was recovered from the scene.
The Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident under the 2019 law, N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), which mandates that such cases be reviewed by a grand jury to determine if the evidence justifies an indictment. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time.