New Jersey man arrested for allegedly stabbing Galloway Township police officer in face
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) - A 30-year-old Atlantic County man was arrested after allegedly assaulting two police officers and stabbing one in the face, according to Galloway Township police. Keith Kiminski was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and resisting arrest, police said.
Galloway Township police responded to a home on the 300 block of Cresson Avenue at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday after receiving several 911 phone calls that were then hung up.
Police said officers spoke with Kiminski's mother, who told them her son had a knife. Body camera video showed Kiminski then exited the home and attacked the two responding officers.
Officer Erik Tarnow was stabbed on the right side of his face with a folding pocket knife, police said.
Kiminski and Tarnow and his partner Officer Hunter Thomas then fought on the ground until backup arrived, according to police.
Police said both officers were taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where Tarnow underwent surgery and is currently recovering.
Thomas was treated for a head injury and released Sunday night.
Kiminski is currently being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
"This incident is another reminder of the dangers that our police officers face on a daily basis," Galloway Township Police Chief Richard Barber said. "We are grateful that Officer Tarnow is recovering well, and our department will be here to fully support Erik and his family."
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin also released a statement, saying it was "a reminder of the enormous risks that our officers take on a daily basis to keep our communities safe. Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous interactions for law enforcement officers. We must continue to work together to prevent and disrupt this kind of violence so that it doesn't happen again in New Jersey."
He also included resources for people experiencing domestic violence, noting help is available at 1-800-572-SAFE. Local police and the county prosecutor's office can help people experiencing domestic violence get an Extreme Risk Protective Order.
