RAHWAY, NJ - A detective with the Perth Amboy Police Department in New Jersey was shot as many as three times in the legs, and multiple suspects are under arrest after the detective was ambushed executing a search warrant Wednesday.
According to ABC7, Perth Amboy Detectives were in the nearby jurisdiction of Rahway and attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Angel Santiago, 20, who is suspected in an aggravated assault case from July 23rd.
As the detectives arrived on the scene, there was a reported exchange of gunfire between the Santiago and the police, during which the Perth Amboy Detective sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the leg. Santiago was also struck in the leg.
In a statement issued Thursday, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, "Our officers deserve our gratitude for the enormous risks they take on a daily basis to keep our communities safe. As the state's chief law enforcement officer, I am resolute in my commitment to work with our law enforcement and community partners to end gun violence in our state, and to do everything in our power to prevent this kind of violence against law enforcement in the future."
In a post to X, the New Jersey State Police Policemen's Benevolent Association asked for prayers for the officer.
In a follow-up post, the organization followed with a second, later post that read, "The wounded Perth Amboy detective was shot 3 times in Rahway. His fellow detectives took quick actions to save his life. We are thankful for the outpouring of support. The detective is in stable condition."***OFFICER SHOT***
— New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) July 25, 2024
One of our members has been shot and is currently at RWJUH in New Brunswick. Please keep him and all the officers involved in the Rahway incident in your prayers.
Witnesses speaking with CBS News told reporters that a hero in the neighborhood ran to the stricken officer and helped him to safety. "She put a tourniquet on his leg and then the cops took him and brought him to the hospital," a witness said.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Mayor of Rahway Raymond Giacobbe wrote, "Perth Amboy Police Officers, with assistance from Rahway PD, were executing a search warrant when the suspects attempted to flee the scene. During this incident, one suspect discharged a firearm, striking a Perth Amboy Police Officer in the leg; fortunately, the injury is non-life-threatening.
"The officer was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick for medical treatment. At this time, no other officers have reported injuries. One suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. All suspects are in custody.
"As this situation is still under investigation, we will refrain from making any further comments at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured officer. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery and offer support to his family during this challenging time."
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