SPRINGFIELD, New Jersey — A New Jersey State Police detective has been found guilty of endangering another person after an unauthorized high-speed chase in 2023 ended with a young motorcyclist dead on the side of a South Jersey highway.
The verdict came on May 14, 2026, after a jury convicted Detective Mark Campagna, 47, in connection with the death of Omar Kebbabi, a 24-year-old resident of New York City.
What happened that day
On June 20, 2023, Campagna was not on a scheduled shift.
He was, however, driving an unmarked take-home state police vehicle when he spotted Kebbabi riding a motorcycle on Route 206 in Burlington County.
Campagna began to follow the motorcyclist. The two quickly accelerated to dangerous speeds — at points exceeding 100 miles per hour — while weaving through multiple lane changes on a public road.
Detective never turned on his lights — and never called it in
According to officials, Campagna did not activate his emergency lights at any point during the pursuit.
He later claimed he was not trying to pull Kebbabi over. His explanation: he simply wanted a clearer look at the motorcycle’s license plate.
What made matters worse was what Campagna did not do.
He never contacted law enforcement authorities to report the chase — a direct violation of New Jersey Attorney General policy, which requires officers to notify dispatch during any pursuit.
A 24-year-old lost his life
The chase ended violently at the intersection of Route 206 and Jacksonville-Jobstown Road in Springfield.
Kebbabi’s motorcycle collided with a civilian vehicle. A Springfield police officer rushed to help, but Kebbabi was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the other car was not injured.
‘Needless and reckless’ — Attorney General speaks out
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport did not hold back after the verdict.
“This was a needless and reckless high-speed chase that put not only the victim, but also every other driver on the road, in grave danger,” Davenport said. “And it ended in tragedy.”
What Campagna faces now
Campagna has not yet been sentenced.
Under New Jersey law, he could face up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
He will also lose his police license as a direct result of the conviction — effectively ending his law enforcement career.
The case has drawn attention to how off-duty officers use take-home police vehicles and raised questions about accountability when pursuits go unreported and lives are lost.
Do you think the punishment fits what happened here? Share your thoughts in the comments — this conversation matters.
