Police Officer Wilson McLaurin, New Jersey Department of Institutions and Agencies Police, New Jersey

Police Officer Wilson McLaurin

New Jersey Department of Institutions and Agencies Police, New Jersey

End of Watch Tuesday, December 2, 1975

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Wilson McLaurin

Police Officer Wilson McLaurin suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting with the arrest of a subject on the former grounds of Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morris Plains.

The man had led officers from the Morris Plains Police Department on a vehicle pursuit after they tried to stop him for a traffic violation. The man fled onto the hospital grounds where the vehicle stopped near a staff housing unit.

Officer McLaurin and another hospital police officer came to the assistance of the local police and struggled with the subject before handcuffing him and placing him into a patrol car. Officer McLaurin collapsed two minutes later. He was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital where he died a short time later.

The subject was charged with several traffic citations and assault and battery.

Officer McLaurin had served with the New Jersey Department of Institutions and Agencies for 25 years and was assigned to Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. He was survived by his wife and children.

Bio

Age 59
Tour 25 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Heart attack
Weapon Person
Offender Arrested

vehicle pursuit, struggle

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer McLaurin,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New Jersey. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job than that of a Corrections Officer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

December 2, 2025