Two New Jersey police officers were stabbed and wounded Sunday night while responding to a 911 call.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. in Galloway Township when a caller hung up after dialing 911.
The two officers were speaking with the suspect’s mother on the porch of a home. She told them her son had a knife right before Keith E. Kiminski, 30, allegedly came out of the house and attacked.
Officer Erik Tarnow was “immediately stabbed on the right side of his face with folding pocket knife and a violent physical altercation ensued,” officials said. Body camera footage released on Monday shows the beginning of the fracas.
Tarnow and fellow Officer Hunter Thomas fought with Kiminski for several minutes, until more cops arrived at the scene.
Tarnow was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery for “a significant cut on the side of his face,” officials said. He was listed in stable condition.
Thomas sustained a minor head injury in the scuffle and was released later Sunday.
“This incident is another reminder of the dangers that our police officers face on a daily basis,” Galloway Township Police Chief Richard Barber said in a statement. “We are grateful that Officer Tarnow is recovering well, and our department will be here to fully support Erik and his family.”
Kiminski has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and resisting arrest.
