July 25, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police reported that Trenton Police K9 Officer Domingo Perez was driving on Bridge Street, toward S. Broad Street, responding to a call. A State Parole officer reported someone with guns with high-capacity magazines inside a vehicle. (An investigation revealed juveniles had brought airsoft guns to their home and nothing criminal was reported.) A Jeep SUV, driven by an unlicensed driver, was on Second Street, heading toward Bridge Street from S. Broad Street, when he went through the stop sign and drove into Officer Perez’s police vehicle. The force of the impact caused Officer Perez’s vehicle to careen into a residence at 703 Second Street.
Officer Perez was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center with lacerations to the head and complaints of pain. He was treated and subsequently released. His K9 partner, Nittany, was taken to a local animal hospital where she was treated for a cut to her head and released. The driver of the other vehicle appeared to have minor abrasions and was also treated at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
Two families were displaced and placed in hotels due to the damage done to the residence. No injuries were reported by the residents of the home. Trenton Housing responded to inspect the building. The Trenton Police Department Internal Affairs Bureau, Trenton Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau Fatal Crash Unit, and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team are investigating.
Fox29 Video here
https://www.fox29.com/video/1491111
Mayor Reed Gusciora Releases Statement after Speeding Car Runs Through Stop Sign injuring Trenton Police Officer and Damaging Residential Building
Thursday morning, a Trenton police officer, K-9, and another driver sustained injuries after an accident sent both vehicles into a residential building.
Officer Perez was en route to assist a State Patrol officer after reports of a man in possession of a gun with a high-capacity magazine, when he was struck by an unlicensed driver who sped through a stop sign at the corner of Second and Bridge Street. The officer’s vehicle was T-boned, sending both cars into a residential building.
Perez was hospitalized with a significant head injury, but is listed in stable condition. He has since been released. The driver is also in stable condition with minor cuts to the head. Both were transported to Capital Regional Medical Center. The K-9 was taken to NorthStar Veterinarian hospital and was treated and released after suffering a facial injury.
“Thursday’s accident is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face every day in the line of duty. Officer Perez, who was en route to assist with a high-risk situation, showed immense bravery and quick thinking. We are relieved to hear that he, the K-9, and the other driver are all in stable condition and receiving the care they need,” Mayor Reed Gusciora said. “Our thoughts are with them and their families as they recover from this incident. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our residents and will continue to support our law enforcement officers in their tireless efforts to protect us all.”
Additional officers were able to respond to the reports of a man with a gun and located juveniles in possession of imitation airsoft AR-15 style rifles. The rifles were confiscated without taking anyone being taken into custody.