2021 News Release

State Police Announces 2021 Trooper of the Year Award Recipient

West Trenton, N.J. - Today, Colonel Patrick J. Callahan announced that Detective Jacob Schor, of the Troop “A” Criminal Investigation Office, Field Operations Section, Operations Branch, is the recipient of the 2021 Trooper of the Year Award for his meticulous investigative skills solving an attempted homicide.

On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Detective Schor was called to investigate an attempted homicide in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County. Through his hard work and determination, he was able to locate witnesses that were able to provide credible information which included several vehicle descriptions and valuable intelligence identifying the potentially involved parties. While canvassing the area he was also able to locate surveillance cameras that captured the suspect’s vehicle.  The videos revealed several unique physical features that, thanks to Detective Schor’s keen investigative skills, would later prove to be key in solving this case.

At the crime scene, Detective Schor was able to locate a shell casing in the vicinity of the initial incident. During the investigation, he quickly learned that the crime scene spanned three and a half miles.  The meticulous processing of the enormous crime scene led to the recovery of multiple shell casings and bullet fragments, all linked to the same crime, and after conducting a multitude of interviews and recovering numerous items of evidentiary value, he was able to begin reconstructing the incident. Detective Schor was able to identify descriptions of two vehicles and one of the suspects involved in the incident.

After conducting multiple residential search warrants resulting in the collection of evidence, Detective Schor was able to corroborate the events of the attempted homicide on April 13 but was still actively attempting to identify the main suspect.

On Friday, May 22, 2021, a mass shooting and triple homicide occurred in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County. Through data analysis obtained through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, multiple shell casings recovered from the mass shooting crime scene revealed that the firearm in question at this homicide, was the same firearm used in the attempted homicide the month prior. Detective Schor canvased the area of the mass shooting for surveillance cameras that may have captured footage that could aid in the investigation.  Near the crime scene, video was obtained of a vehicle that Detective Schor quickly recognized as the suspect vehicle from his attempted homicide investigation because of the unique features he had previously identified.  The video also revealed footage of the driver of the vehicle which ultimately led to a positive identification of the suspect.

Through various investigative means, Detective Schor was able to locate the vehicle and link it and the driver, to the scene of the attempted homicide. Detective Schor’s persistence, dedication, keen interviewing, and investigative skills proved to be the determining factor in solving this crime which ultimately led to a violent suspect being arrested and charged with attempted homicide, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated assault.

Detective Schor’s outstanding dedication and commitment are deserving of the honor of being named, “Trooper of the Year.”  His dedication to investigating this incident undoubtedly made the residents of the Fairfield community safer by removing a violent offender off the streets.  The remarkable efforts of Detective Jacob Schor embody the New Jersey State Police core values of Honor, Duty, and Fidelity.

Every year, the New Jersey State Police selects an enlisted member or members to be the recipient of the “Trooper of the Year Award.”  Recipients are awarded a red ribbon encased by a gold frame, which is to always be worn on the uniform.  It is the highest honor a trooper can receive from within the Division.  All recipients are honored for their outstanding performances, a recognition which reflects great credit upon themselves and the New Jersey State Police.

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