Rahway man in custody after shootout with Perth Amboy detective who was injured in gunfire
RAHWAY - A Perth Amboy detective is in stable condition at a New Brunswick trauma center after suffering multiple gunshot wounds while conducting a police investigation in Rahway Wednesday night.
The detective's name has not been released.
A 20-year-old Rahway man, who was a suspect in a July 23 aggravated assault incident in Perth Amboy, also suffered a single gunshot wound during an exchange of gunfire with Perth Amboy police. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is in the custody of the Union County Prosecutor's Office on the outstanding warrant.
A handgun was recovered at the scene, the prosecutor's office said.
Around 8:42 p.m. Wednesday the Perth Amboy police detective was injured in a shooting in the area of Broad Street as Perth Amboy police were attempting to execute an arrest warrant for Angel Santiago, 20, of Rahway, a suspect in a aggravated assault incident in Perth Amboy the previous day, according to Union County Prosecutor William Daniel.
As officers approached the area, there was an exchange of gunfire between Perth Amboy detectives and Santiago, resulting in the Perth Amboy detective suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the leg and Santiago sustaining a single gunshot wound to the lower leg, the prosecutor's office said.
The detective was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with non-life threatening injuries and is in stable condition, according to the prosecutor's office.
"Our hearts go out to our injured detective and his family. We are deeply grateful for the courage of our Police Department and will continue to provide them with our full support," Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba said in a statement Thursday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him for a swift recovery and commend the bravery and professionalism of all officers in handling this situation."
Caba also thanked Rahway Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe Jr., the Rahway Police Department and all officers involved for their assistance and collaboration.
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Giacobbe said in a Facebook post that no other officers had reported injuries.
In a Facebook post New Jersey State PBA President Peter Andreyev said the union was counting its blessings that the Perth Amboy detective was going to recover.
"He was shot three times. His fellow officers took quick actions to prevent tragedy. He put his life on the line to get a violent suspect off the streets," the post stated which also thanked doctors and nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for their lifesaving care.
Earlier: Perth Amboy police detective injured in Rahway shooting, three suspects apprehended
Andreyev said the Perth Amboy detective was the sixth officer shot in New Jersey in 2024.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin expressed gratitude 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," Platkin said.
The Rahway shooting remains under investigation. Anyone with more information is urged to contactUnion County Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Dennis Donovan at 732-232-2049 or Detective Christine Spady at 908-403-1623.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Rahway man in custody following shootout with Perth Amboy police
