Attempted murder suspect killed, officers injured during shootout at Woodbridge hotel
WOODBRIDGE, New Jersey (WABC) -- An NYPD detective and a Woodbridge, New Jersey, police officer were shot by an attempted murder suspect at the Raritan Hotel Wednesday night, police said. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect.
It happened at the Raritan Hotel on Kings George Post Road sometime before midnight Wednesday.
Police were pursuing a suspect wanted for the June 7 attempted murder in East Harlem of a 29-year-old man who was shot in the head.
Authorities tracked the suspect to the hotel in Woodbridge after the suspect's car pinged a license plate reader, according to law enforcement sources. As officers closed in the suspect came out of the hotel and opened fire.
The suspect was shot multiple times by Woodbridge police officers, who were assisting the NYPD. Officials said later Thursday morning that the suspect died.
The NYPD detective was shot in the foot and taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Woodbridge police officer was also shot in the back during the shootout but was not injured due to his bulletproof vest. He is expected to be OK.
Both are now released from the hospital and expected to make a full recovery.
Detectives' Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo released the following statement:
"The NYPD Detective who was shot and injured in Woodbridge, NJ underscores the courage and commitment by members of the Detectives' Endowment Association to put themselves in extreme danger to ensure violent, career criminals face justice. If not for their diligent work searching for this wanted attempted murder suspect, the perpetrator could have struck again in any of our communities. We are grateful to not be planning a funeral - and salute the brave Detectives and Woodbridge Police Officers."
The incident is being investigated by the New Jersey Attorney General's Office.
"This incident is another reminder that our law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe. Their resilience deserves our unwavering support," New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement.
The site houses Royal Albert's Palace, a banquet hall, as well as the Raritan Hotel.
Authorities say they won't release the name of the suspect until his family has been notified.
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