Woodbridge, New Jersey – Two police officers were injured in a shooting during an investigation at a banquet hall in Middlesex County early in the morning. One officer was from the NYPD, while the other was based in New Jersey. The incident also resulted in the death of a suspect involved in the case.
The New Jersey state attorney general’s office is currently conducting an investigation into the shooting that took place at Royal Albert’s Palace, a large banquet hall located at the Raritan Hotel in Woodbridge Township. The events unfolded when authorities responded to reports of a potential active shooter at the venue around 12:30 a.m.
According to a senior law enforcement official familiar with the case, the NYPD had placed a license plate alarm on a car in connection with a homicide investigation in East Harlem. Subsequently, New Jersey police using a license plate reader detected the vehicle, prompting a response from NYPD officers, New Jersey State Troopers, and officers from local police departments.
The suspect’s girlfriend reportedly engaged in a confrontation with responding officers and was taken into custody. In response to the chaos, the suspect allegedly emerged from the building and began firing shots, leading to his death in the exchange of gunfire. A New York City police officer was shot in the foot, while a New Jersey officer was shot in the back. Fortunately, both officers are expected to recover from their injuries.
Law enforcement vehicles from various departments were observed at the scene throughout the night, with the road to the banquet hall remaining closed off for investigation purposes the following day. Later on Thursday, it is anticipated that the New Jersey state attorney general’s office will provide additional details regarding the incident.
In a statement released in the late morning, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin emphasized the risks that law enforcement officers face daily in their efforts to maintain community safety. He expressed determination to collaborate with law enforcement partners in conducting a thorough investigation and implementing measures to prevent such violence against officers in the future. Platkin also underscored the importance of collective efforts to combat all forms of gun violence in New Jersey.