Beloved Prudential Center traffic cop struck, killed on the job
NEWARK, N.J. - A beloved traffic control officer known for dancing and having fun with concertgoers and Devils fans at New Jersey's Prudential Center was struck and killed on the job.
Jairo Rodriguez, 53, was struck while directing traffic on Lafayette Street following an event at the Newark venue late Thursday. He later died in the hospital.
According to reports, the driver was an off-duty Newark police officer. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
"TCO Rodriguez was highly respected and beloved by all who worked with him," Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said in a statement. "Due to his consistent demeanor of kindness, warmth, and sincerity, he was immediately embraced as a dear Brother in Blue."
Rodriguez, a father of three, was known to entertain fans leaving and entering the venue.
"Always dancing & having fun with everyone while working late & cold nights on the streets if you met him, you loved him," @JespersBurner posted to X.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the crash.