Essex County Prosecutor Takes Over Investigation of Police Officer-Involved Shooting in Rahway

RAHWAY, NJ — Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced on July 25 that the Essex County Prosecutor's Office had been assigned to investigate the police officer-involved shooting that took place in Rahway around 8:30 on the evening of July 24, injuring a Perth Amboy detective.

Detectives from the Perth Amboy Police Department, with the assistance of officers from the Rahway Police Department, were in Rahway in order to execute an arrest warrant for 20-year-old Rahway resident Angel Santiago. Santiago was wanted for an alleged aggravated assault that occurred in Perth Amboy the previous day, July 23.

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There was an exchange of gunfire as the officers approached Santiago. A Perth Amboy detective was shot in the leg, while Santiago was also shot in the lower leg.

The injured officer was sent to RWJ/Barnabas Hospital in New Brunswick where he is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. His condition, though initially listed as critical, was quickly upgraded to stable.

Santiago was transported to University Hospital in Newark and remains in custody on the aggravated assault charges for the July 23rd incident in Perth Amboy.

A handgun was recovered at the scene.

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On Thursday morning, Helmin J. Caba, the mayor of Perth Amboy, announced, "Our hearts go out to our injured [d]etective and his family. We are deeply grateful for the courage of our Police Department and will continue to provide them with our full support. I would also like to thank Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe Jr., the Rahway Police Department, and all officers involved for their assistance and collaboration during this challenging time."

Though it was initially announced that the Union County Prosecutor's Office was investigating the incident, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office stated soon after, "The New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice was immediately notified of the incident and directed the Office of the Essex County Prosecutor to conduct the investigation due to a conflict of interest. This is standard protocol pursuant to Attorney General Directive No. 2019-4 (Directive Ensuring the Independent Investigation of Criminal Cases Involving Police Use-of-Force or In-Custody Deaths).  The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Bureau is in the early stages of the investigation."

The investigation remains in its early stages. TAPinto will provide updates as they become available.

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