Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, was rocked by a violent incident overnight that left two police officers injured. The officers were shot and wounded at a hotel in the township while on duty. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin confirmed that members of both the Woodbridge Police Department and the NYPD were involved in the search for a suspect linked to a homicide when the shooting occurred.
According to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation, the suspect unexpectedly emerged from an elevator and opened fire, prompting the officers to return fire, ultimately resulting in the suspect’s death. The incident took place at the Raritan Hotel, situated near the Royal Alberts Palace party venue on King Georges Post Road around midnight.
Both injured officers, one from each department, are reported to be in stable condition as they recover from their injuries. The NYPD officer was shot in the foot, while the Woodbridge officer sustained a gunshot below their service vest on the right side of their hip. The Woodbridge officer underwent surgery and is currently in critical but stable condition.
Attorney General Platkin commended the bravery and rapid response of the officers involved while also emphasizing the need to prevent such violence against law enforcement. The attorney general expressed gratitude for the daily risks officers take to ensure community safety and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to combat gun violence in New Jersey.
Neighbors in the area were caught off guard by the police presence at the hotel, with one resident describing the scene as unexpected and unsettling. The attorney general’s office, responsible for investigating any officer-involved shootings, is expected to release further details about the incident later in the day.
Woodbridge Township, located in Middlesex County, is approximately 30 miles from Manhattan, highlighting the proximity of the shooting to the bustling city. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face while carrying out their duties to protect and serve the community.