Details Released After Suspect Opens Fire On N.J. Highway, Shoots At Cop: Police

Details were released Wednesday after a suspect shot at a police officer, opening fire on a N.J. highway, police said.

Rafael Garcia, 74, of Mountainside, was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office.

The incident happened after two Readington Township police officers observed a vehicle parked on the eastbound shoulder of Route 22 in Whitehouse Station at approximately 9:30 pm on Tuesday night, according to the HCPO.

While investigating the abandoned vehicle, the officers observed a man in a nearby field. The man fired multiple shots at the officers after he was instructed to come out of the field, according to the HCPO.

The officers were able to successfully place the suspect in custody without returning fire. A thorough search of the area was conducted, and it was determined there were no other persons involved and no threat to the public, according to the HCPO.

Bail for the defendant was set at $1 million by Judge Peter Tober. Garcia was lodged in the Somerset County Jail awaiting his first court appearance.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-321-0010 or by going to www.crimestoppershunterdon.com, or text messaging “HCTIPS” plus your tip message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters can also download the free mobile app “Tipsubmit” and select Hunterdon County to submit anonymous tips via text messaging. All tips are anonymous and kept confidential.

The police officers were not hurt, and New Jersey's largest police union offered praise to the officers involved in the situation.

Patch file photo