By Police1 Staff
SAYREVILLE, N.J. — An off-duty Sayreville police officer found shot to death in his personal vehicle committed suicide, Chief John Zebrowski reported to NJ.com.
Officer Matthew Kurtz was found Monday morning inside his car outside of a movie theater with at least one gunshot wound.
“Matthew’s death sheds more light on an insidious predator that has taken his life and so many others in law enforcement as well. Sadly, suicide remains a leading cause of police officer deaths,” Zebrowski said in a written statement,
Zebrowski also said ruling the death a suicide does not make the loss any less tragic.
The confirmation of suicide followed more than 24 hours of investigation and speculation after police never announced they were searching for a suspect.
There’s some disagreement in the mental health community about whether officers are more susceptible to mental health issues. The executive director of the National Police Suicide Foundation, Robert Douglas, told the publication studies may vary, but at least two officers die by suicide for every one killed in the line of duty.
Officers often fight two battles: one on the streets and one at home, Ron Clark, chairman of Badge of Life, told the news site. Badge of Life advocates for mental wellness of officers.
“Who’s responsible for the emotional well being of the officer, besides himself?” Clark said. “The answer is, everybody.”
Kurtz leaves behind a wife and two children.