Attacks on law enforcement have risen in recent years, Save Jerseyans.
Last week in the Atlantic County (South Jersey) community of Galloway Township, two local officers were reportedly assaulted by a knife-wielding man during a 9/11 call.
“Both officers were transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center City Division for treatment,” the Galloway Police Department announced on Sunday evening. “One officer was released while the other is being treated for serious but non life threatening injuries. The suspect has been placed in custody.”
Breaking AC reported that Officer Tarnow sustained “significant cut to the side of his face” while Officer Thomas “was treated for a minor head injury and released.” The suspect, Keith Kiminsky (age 30), was taken into police custody.
According to FBI data, 43,649 police officers were assaulted in the United States in 2021. Approximately 2.3% of those incidents (1,000 cases) involved a knife or similar cutting instrument or tool.
“All it took was just twenty-six seconds for a recent Galloway Township police officer’s interaction with a suspect to take a violent turn,” said State Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) in a statement. “Officers Erik Tarnow and Hunter Thomas had seconds to react as a suspect came towards them with a knife. Fortunately, they were able to arrest the suspect but both officers were injured as a result. Luckily, as of today both officers are home resting and I wish them the speediest of recoveries.”
Warning: the body cam footage below may be disturbing for some viewers…
