2 police officers shot while searching for suspects in Woodbridge, New Jersey hotel, says AG

WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, NJ – Two police officers were shot and injured overnight in a hotel in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said members of the Woodbridge Police Department and NYPD were searching for a suspect in a murder case when they were shot.

A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said the suspect emerged from an elevator and fired a gun, prompting officers to return fire, killing him.

The shooting occurred around midnight at the Raritan Hotel, which is next to the Royal Alberts Palace party venue on King Georges Post Road.

Two officers – one from each department – were injured, but both are said to be on the road to recovery. The NYPD officer was shot in the foot and the Woodbridge officer was shot below his duty vest on the right side of his hip, according to a police source. The Woodbridge officer underwent surgery and was listed as critical but stable.

“We are grateful for the brave and swift actions of everyone who responded, but we also remember that no police officer – or any other member of law enforcement – should ever be subjected to this level of violence while performing their duties,” Platkin said in a statement. “Officers take tremendous risks every day to protect our communities. We must continue to work together to prevent and stop gun violence of any kind in New Jersey.”

Police had come to the hotel after finding a hit on the suspect's license plate. Neighbors said they had no idea what was going on.

“I only saw the police because I had a bird's eye view from above. And I just thought, oh my God, what's going on here this morning?” said resident Carol Richardson. “If the sirens had gone off, I would have heard them, believe me. But I heard absolutely nothing until I got up this morning.”

The Attorney General's Office, which launches investigations whenever an officer fires his weapon, said more details were expected to be released later in the day.

Woodbridge Township is located in Middlesex County, about 30 miles from Manhattan.