Police detective shot while serving warrant in Rahway, N.J.
RAHWAY, N.J. – A police detective was shot Wednesday night in Rahway, New Jersey.
The Perth Amboy Police detective was serving a warrant in the area of Broad Street and Maple Avenue around 8:30 p.m. when shots were fired, according to the department's chief.
Police said the detective was struck multiple times in the leg. He was last reported to be in stable condition.
In a post on X, the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association said, "One of our members has been shot and is currently at [Robert Wood Johnson Hospital] in New Brunswick. Please keep him and all the officers involved in the Rahway incident in your prayers."
The PBA followed up with another post, reading, "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."
Further details were not immediately released, but CBS New York confirmed multiple people were shot. It was not immediately known how many people were struck or the severity of their injuries.
A suspect was in custody, police said Thursday.
New Jersey attorney general "praying for his recovery"
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin released a statement about the shooting early Thursday morning, saying the detective is recovering after undergoing treatment.
"All of New Jersey is praying for his recovery as he undergoes treatment at an area hospital, and we are grateful to the many law enforcement officers who responded and rendered aid immediately after the shooting.
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. We must continue to work together to prevent and disrupt gun violence of every kind in New Jersey."
The Perth Amboy Police Department also put out a statement Thursday, saying in part, "Our thoughts and prayers are with him for a swift recovery. We commend the bravery and professionalism of all officers in handling this situation."
Police comb Rahway neighborhood for evidence after shooting
Witnesses told CBS New York's Naveen Dhaliwal they heard the gunshots.
"It's scary. I've been living here 10 years, but I've been in Rahway 16 ... This is the closest I've ever come to anything like this," neighbor Anthony Neal said.
"It's right around the corner. It's basically my backyard. It's kinda scary that now I have people texting me, 'Stay in your house.' It's a little frightening," neighbor Racquel Wysocki said.
Police closed off a one-block radius around the shooting site, as investigators combed the area for evidence. The word "bullet" could be seen spray-painted on the ground in several places, and a police official was seen shining a flashlight on a gun on the ground.
The investigation is ongoing.