GALLOWAY, NJ – A man accused of attacking police officers in Galloway, New Jersey on Sunday night is now facing charges of attempted murder. The police department has released body camera footage of the incident that resulted in one officer being stabbed.
The Galloway Township Police responded to a residence around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday following multiple disconnected 911 calls. The department shared details of the incident in a news release on Monday.
Upon their arrival, officers were met by the suspect’s mother, who warned them that her son was armed with a knife. This was captured in the body camera footage. The suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Keith Kiminski, emerged from a doorway and advanced towards the officers.
As Kiminski approached, the officers can be heard in the video attempting to deescalate the situation. Despite these efforts, a physical altercation broke out.
During the altercation, Officer Erik Tarnow was stabbed on the right side of his face with a folding pocket knife. Tarnow and Officer Hunter Thomas managed to subdue Kiminski and hold him until backup arrived.
Tarnow was rushed to a hospital where he underwent surgery for a significant facial wound. He is currently in stable condition. Thomas sustained a minor head injury during the altercation and was released from the hospital on Sunday night.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the risks our police officers face every day,” commented Galloway Township Police Chief Richard D. Barber. “We are thankful that Officer Tarnow is recovering, and our department is committed to supporting Erik and his family during this time.”
Kiminski is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and resisting arrest. He is currently being held at the Atlantic County Justice facility pending a court appearance.