Cops In Nutley Display Valor During Bloody Halloween Shooting

NUTLEY, NJ — A Nutley police sergeant and an Essex County Prosecutor’s Office detective who lives in town earned Valor Awards from the 200 Club of Essex County for their actions during a harrowing, bloody incident on Halloween last year.

During a ceremony held earlier this month, the 200 Club of Essex County presented Valor Awards to ECPO Det. David Fontoura, a Nutley resident, and Nutley Sgt. Jeffrey Polewka.

According to a news release from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, here’s how the incident unfolded:

“On the evening of Oct. 31, 2017, Det. Fontoura was off-duty at his residence in Nutley, when he heard 6 to 8 gunshots, fired nearby in rapid succession. Fontoura immediately took police action. Exiting his residence, Fontoura observed an adult male lying in the street. The victim was bleeding heavily from his head and torso. Checking the victim for signs of life, Fontoura detected a faint pulse and began to render medical aid. The victim’s eyes soon rolled towards the back of his head and he stopped breathing.”

The Essex County Sheriff’s Office continued:

“As Fontoura administered CPR in an effort to save the victims life, Nutley Sgt. Polewka then arrived on the scene to assist with the aid. Moments later, the officers heard a man’s voice yelling from behind their location. As the man approached, Fontoura and Polewka observed that he was holding a semi-automatic handgun in his right hand. The officers assumed a tactical position. They drew their service weapons and ordered the male suspect to drop his weapon. After several verbal orders, the suspect finally dropped his gun and was taken into custody. The officers remained tactically vigilant while continuously surveying the area for other suspects and performing CPR on the victim who regretfully succumbed to his wounds.”

The Essex County Sheriff’s Office concluded:

“Throughout this incident with a dangerous and armed suspect and a medical emergency, the officers demonstrated tremendous restraint, bravery, teamwork and dedication.”

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Photo: Essex County Sheriff’s Office

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