Long Branch Police Officer Stabbed In Head During Domestic Violence Call, Police Say

LONG BRANCH, NJ — A Long Branch Police officer was stabbed in the head Saturday after he saved a woman who was being stabbed by her ex-boyfriend, said city officials.

At 4:40 a.m. Saturday, two Long Branch Police officers, one of which was Patrolman Geter Benitez, were called to an apartment on the 200 block of Cleveland Avenue for a 911 call of domestic violence.

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While officers were speaking with people inside, a man there, Faustino Leiva, began stabbing his ex-girlfriend in the home with a large knife, said police.

Upon hearing the victim’s screams, Benitez immediately ran toward Leiva and tackled him off the victim.

Police say his action saved the woman's life.

Leiva had previously told his ex-girlfriend he intended to kill her.

As Benitez attempted to place Leiva under arrest, a struggle ensued during which Leiva stabbed Benitez in the head, causing a large laceration, said police. With the assistance of a Good Samaritan, two other officers placed Leiva under arrest.

Patrolman Benitez, who lost a substantial amount of blood, was immediately transported to Monmouth Medical Center by Patrolman Otten. He was released Monday to claps, reported the Asbury Park Press.

Leiva has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlawful weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

"The actions of Patrolman Benitez reflect the highest standards of the Long Branch Police Department. He placed himself directly in harm’s way, without hesitation, to protect a resident of this city from a lethal attack," said the city of Long Branch in a statement Monday. "The city of Long Branch commends Patrolman Benitez, Patrolman Franzblau, Patrolman Guzman, Patrolman Otten, and the Good Samaritan who assisted our officers."