New Jersey Officer Shoots Suspect After Stabbing, Gun Grab

A knife-wielding suspect was shot by an Asbury Park, N.J., police officer during a sidewalk struggle Monday morning that left another officer injured, authorities said.

The suspect, Oswaldo Torres Quiroz, 22, of the Iselin section of Woodbridge, was shot once in the abdomen by Ptl. Johnny Washington, first assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Marc LeMieux said during a Monday afternoon press conference.

LeMieux said Washington fired his .40 caliber Glock one time in self-defense after Quiroz slashed the wrist of another officer, Ptl. Carl Christie, with a steak knife measuring 8 to 10 inches, and attempted to grab Washington's weapon, reports the Asbury Park Press .

Moments before, Quiroz had attempted to stab Christie in the stomach, but the officer's protective vest stopped the knife from penetrating his body, LeMieux said.

Quiroz, who is from Mexico, underwent surgery at a local hospital. LeMieux said his injuries were "significant" but were not believed to be life-threatening.

Christie, who sustained a serious laceration to his wrist and finger, was treated at a local hospital and released, LeMieux said. Washington was also treated and released at a local hospital after complaining of respiratory problems following the incident, LeMieux said. A third officer who was at the scene, Ptl. Anthony Butler, was not injured.