Shooting Homicide Investigation Underway In The City Of Trenton

Saturday, August 30, 2025, 2:15 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

TRENTON, NJ.- Detectives of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the Shooting Response Team, and the Trenton Police Department are continuing the investigation into the circumstances surrounding a shooting that claimed the life of a 41-year-old Trenton, New Jersey, man, after gunfire erupted late Friday night in New Jersey’s Capital City.

     According to Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, on Friday, August 29, 2025, just shortly before 11:30 p.m., while on patrol, members of the Trenton Police Department were alerted to a multi-round ShotSpotter activation in the area of North Ohio and Ohio Avenues in the City of Trenton. 

Trenton Patrol Vehicle Struck By Shooting Victim’s Car

     While Police Officers were responding to the scene, their patrol vehicle was struck by a second vehicle that was being driven by a shooting victim who had lost control of his car. The shooting victim, who was later identified as Andrew Coates, 41, of Trenton, New Jersey, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical, where, despite life-saving efforts, Mr. Coates succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased within hours after arriving for treatment.

Second Shooting Victim Arrives At The Hospital

     Additionally, a second individual was struck and injured by Mr. Coates’ vehicle. The individual, only identified as an adult male, was transported to the hospital for treatment. While Detectives were at the hospital, a second shooting victim, also only identified as an adult male, arrived at the hospital seeking treatment for a gunshot wound to his right leg. 

     The two Trenton Police Officers, whose patrol vehicle was struck by Mr. Coates’ vehicle, were also transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives Find Two Cars And House Also Struck By Gunfire

     During the ensuing investigation, Detectives determined that Mr. Coates and the second shooting victim were both struck by gunfire during the shooting incident. Detectives also located two unoccupied vehicles that were struck by gunfire, as well as a residence located on Indiana Avenue, but no one was injured in the home.

     The investigation remains active and ongoing. No arrests have been reported at this time. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Jennifer Eyster of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 789-7346 or Sergeant Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Information can also be submitted online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com. All calls and information will be kept confidential.