VIDEO: New Jersey Officer Shot, Killed Responding to an Armed Robbery
New Jersey Officer Ambushed, Killed Responding to Armed Robbery
A 23-year-old rookie Jersey City (N.J.) police officer was shot and killed responding to an armed robbery on Sunday morning.
July 14, 2014
2 min to read
Jersey City (N.J.) Officer Melvin Santiago, 23, was pronounced dead at the Jersey City Medical Center after being shot while responding to a report of an armed robbery at the Walgreens store at Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard early Sunday morning, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said in a press conference.
At 4:09 a.m. Santiago and another officer responded to the Walgreens from Bergen and Lexington avenues and were the first officers to arrive at the scene. The gunman, who has not yet been identified, opened fire on the marked police car. Santiago, who was still in the vehicle, was struck in the head, Fulop told NJ.com .
Santiago was rushed to the Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later, Fulop said.
Police identified the alleged shooter as 27-year-old Jersey City resident, Lawrence Campbell. Witnesses say that Campbell ran toward the police car as it pulled into the parking lot and fired through the windshield, fatally wounding Officer Santiago.
Additional responding officers returned fire and the gunman was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. The armed security guard at the Walgreen's stated that the suspect struck him and took his weapon, which police believe was the weapon used in the shooting.
More Patrol
Amped Highlights Power Behind Amped FIVE Software
Amped FIVE empowers you to advance your investigations with confidence and precision, from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom.
Read More →
Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Dies in Shootout with Cops
A Burbank Police Department K-9 was fatally shot over the weekend by a passenger who fled on foot from a traffic stop. The armed suspect was killed in a shootout with officers.
Read More →
From the Show Floor: InVeris
In this video, learn about how InVeris provides training to law enforcement, including customized augmented reality scenarios. The augmented reality system can scan up to 10,000 square feet of real-life environments and create a curriculum based on those spaces.
Read More →
From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense
Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.
Read More →
Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car
Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.
Read More →
Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year
The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.
Read More →
From the Show Floor: Axon
Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.
Read More →
Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science
Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.
Read More →
Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation
In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.
Read More →
Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans
Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.
Read More →