One civilian is dead and a police officer sustained multiple gunshot wounds during an incident that unfolded in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, on Friday, March 8, 2024.
The drama began with a 911 call reporting a domestic incident at a residence on Orchard Avenue around 10 p.m. local time.
Officers from the Hamilton Township Police Department encountered an armed civilian wielding a rifle when they responded to the call.
The situation escalated as gunfire was exchanged between the civilian and two responding officers at approximately 10:10 p.m.
The civilian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
One Hamilton Township police officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Capital Health-Fuld Hospital for treatment.
The injured officer’s condition remains serious, but according to a statement by the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association, he is “resting comfortably and has been up and talking today.”
The identity of the injured officer has not been disclosed.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the incident and the hospitalization of the officer.
Witnesses in the neighborhood described the harrowing moments of gunfire, with one resident, Elizabeth Juliff, recounting the ordeal to CBS News in Philadelphia.
In response to the incident, Mayor Jeff Martin emphasized the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and expressed condolences to those affected.
The New Jersey Attorney General is withholding the identities of those involved but the office is investigating the police-involved shooting, in accordance with established protocols.
In a statement, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin extended sympathies to the officer, his partner, and the family of the deceased. Platkin also stressed the risks encountered by law enforcement officers daily, particularly in situations involving firearms.
The incident underscores the urgent need to address domestic violence and the heightened dangers it poses, especially when firearms are involved.
Platkin urged individuals experiencing domestic violence to seek help promptly and provided resources for assistance.
As the investigation continues, the Hamilton Township Police Department expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from various entities, including neighboring departments, local businesses, unions, and residents.
“Need to take a moment to thank everyone for the outpouring of support that we have received over the last 24 hours,” said a post on Facebook from Hamilton PBA local 66, which represents officers of the Hamilton Police Division.
“Within minutes of the incident surrounding departments showed up to offer any assistance needed,” said the PBA. “Local businesses, unions from across the state and residents have sent food to the station or donated food to the families of the officers involvolved. The NJ State PBA, local, county and state officials have all reached out offering any support we may need. The nurses and doctors taking care of our injured officer have been nothing short of amazing. I hope in the near future we will be able to thank everyone individually but in the meantime please know we are truly grateful.”
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpba66%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0jNL3MNE8sCNHrV2wLZ3sUMWQuuUdZnVcbqSiMQmqXxDiwKWx5s3aJmXsAerwbKdyl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="323" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>The outpouring of solidarity and assistance has been vital in navigating through this challenging time.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are awaited as authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting and the officer’s injuries.