Keansburg man shot and killed by cop after he charged at them with chainsaw identified

KEANSBURG - A man who was shot by a police officer in the borough on Memorial Day while coming at officers with a running chainsaw has been identified, authorities said.

Willem Roman, 46, of Keansburg, died June 14 from the injuries he suffered during the encounter, the New Jersey Attorney General's office said Monday in a statement.

Police were sent to a home on Seabreeze Way shortly after 1 p.m. on May 27 to check on the well being of someone there. Officers came across Roman, who had several weapons, including a running chainsaw that he was wielding, according to the statement.

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As Roman came at them with the chainsaw, Patrolman John Swartz used a Taser on Roman and Patrolman Tyler Manges fired his service weapon, inflicting the injuries that eventually killed Roman, the statement said.

Police and EMS provided first aid to Roman, who was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune where he was initially listed in critical but stable condition.

The investigation into the death of Roman is continuing.

The Attorney General’s Office is required to investigate all deaths of a person that occur during an encounter with law enforcement officers or while in their custody.

Ken Serrano covers breaking news, crime and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com.