Authorities in New Jersey say a fellow law enforcement officer was discovered unconscious in his own patrol car earlier this year as the result of an apparent drug overdose.
According to Fox News, 29-year-old ex-Franklin Township police officer Matthew Ellery was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and possession of heroin after a colleague found him on April 7. The other officer reportedly used a narcotic antidote to revive him.
Reports show Ellery’s colleague became concerned and went looking for him after attempting to reach him on his radio with no response.
Subsequent court records indicate Ellery appeared in Somerset County Superior Court on Friday, at which time he pleaded guilty to to the criminal charges against him.
As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, he could avoid jail time by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program. Either way, the incident will cost him his position with the Franklin Township Police Department.
Ellery’s defense attorney said the former cop is eager to put this chapter of his life behind him.
“Matt Ellery is a wonderful young man who has a problem and we’re trying to do what’s needed so he resolves his problems and moves on with his life,” Steven Altman said.
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[Featured image: Matthew Ellery, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office]
