In Trenton, New Jersey, a vibrant city known for its resilience, a night of unimaginable violence unfolded, leaving a community in mourning. On the fateful evening of August 29, 2025, Andrew Coates, a 41-year-old Trenton native cherished for his warmth and deep-rooted ties to his hometown, was tragically gunned down, his life cut short in a harrowing sequence of events that shook the city to its core.
It was just past 11:25 p.m. when the piercing alert of a ShotSpotter activation echoed through the night, signaling gunfire near the intersection of North Olden and Ohio Avenues. Trenton Police officers, already patrolling the area, raced toward the scene, unaware that they were hurtling toward a collision with destiny. As they approached, a car driven by Andrew Coates careened into their patrol vehicle with a jarring crash. The impact was not the result of reckless driving but a desperate act of a man wounded by gunfire, fighting to escape or seek help as his life hung in the balance.
Investigators later pieced together the heart-wrenching details: Andrew had been shot moments before the collision, causing him to lose control of his vehicle. In his final moments, his car struck not only the police cruiser but also a civilian pedestrian, who was left injured in the chaos. Emergency responders rushed Andrew to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where medical teams fought tirelessly to save him. Tragically, their efforts were in vain, and Andrew was pronounced dead in the early hours of Saturday, August 30, 2025, leaving behind a void that his family, friends, and community are struggling to comprehend.
The ripple effects of that violent night extended far beyond Andrew’s heartbreaking loss. Two Trenton Police officers, caught in the collision with Andrew’s car, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, their recovery a testament to their bravery in the face of danger. Meanwhile, detectives at the hospital were alerted to another victim of the shooting—a man who arrived with a gunshot wound to his leg, now in stable condition but bearing the scars of the same senseless violence. The gunfire also left its mark on the neighborhood, with bullets striking two unoccupied vehicles and a residence on Indiana Avenue. Miraculously, no one inside the home was harmed, but the damage served as a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of the night’s events.
Andrew Coates was more than a statistic in Trenton’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. To those who knew him, he was a beacon of loyalty and kindness, a man whose presence lit up the lives of those around him. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and a renewed call for answers. Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice, but as of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains a race against time to uncover the truth.
Authorities are pleading with the public for help, urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Witnesses or those with even the smallest detail are encouraged to contact Detective Jennifer Eyster at (609) 789-7346 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online through the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office website, offering a lifeline for those who may hold the key to solving this tragedy.
As Trenton grapples with the loss of one of its own, the memory of Andrew Coates lingers—a reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for unity in the face of violence. The city mourns, but it also stands resilient, determined to honor Andrew’s legacy by seeking justice and healing together.
