Sayreville Police Chief: Off-Duty Officer Committed Suicide In Car At Closed Movie Theater Complex

SAYREVILLE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The Sayreville Police Department said Tuesday an off-duty cop who was found shot dead in his personal vehicle in the parking lot of a closed movie theater complex committed suicide.

Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski identified the officer as Matthew Kurtz.

"Matthew's death sheds more light on an insidious predator that has taken his life and so many others in law enforcement as well," Zebrowski said in a statement. "Sadly, suicide remains a leading cause of police officer deaths. Thus, the method by which he lost his life does not make our loss any less tragic. In fact, it leaves only a greater void as many questions will remain unanswered."

Zebrowski described Kurtz as a "cop's cop."

"He was smart, hardworking, a volunteer in our community and a leader within the PBA. Incidents like these cause us to consider that while we have equipped and trained our officers well for the external forces that remain a daily threat, more remains to be done to reduce those internal factors that are equally threatening," Zebrowski said.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said the officer suffered at least one gunshot wound.

The Amboy Cinemas building has been abandoned for years, and many in the area wonder when something will be done about it.

"I feel like they should probably build something there -- keep it populated -- so stuff like that wouldn't happen," said Angel Munoz of Perth Amboy.

"Like any abandoned place, I mean, that's sad to hear that, That's the first time I'm hearing that story right here," said Leon Harrell of Somerset. "I pray for the family of the officers, but again, it's a good property that needs to be redeveloped."

Kurtz was a nine-year veteran of the force.