Former City Police Officer, Another Man Stabbed Outside Long Branch Bar

Two men - including a former Long Branch police officer - were stabbed outside a Long Branch bar recently when they helped tried to help bar security after an altercation inside the building, Public Safety Director Jason Roebuck said.

The security staff at the Arena Bar on the corner of Brighton and 2nd Avenue flagged down Sgt. Robert Bell at 11:42 p.m. on April 9 on a report of a stabbing.

The victims were former officer Joseph Walker, 47, West Long Branch, and Rial Valtz Jr. 40, Long Branch. Both men were patrons of the bar when the altercation occurred, Roebuck said.

Walker has not been employed by the police department since 2009. The department does not provide security for any city establishment, he said.

When the altercation moved outside, Walker was stabbed four times in the stomach and the fact. Valtz was stabbed one in the back, Roebuck said.

The suspects, later identified as Michael Carter, 24, Sea Bright, and Emmanuel Bylander, 26, Eatontown, fled the scene and were pursued by the security staff. Bylander was found and arrested by Officer Matt Widdis in the Windmill parking lot. Security staff flagged down Officer Sam Yoo, and with assistance from Officer James Bierne, they located and arrested Michael Carter, who was hiding under the staircase leading to the West End beach, Roebuck said.

Walker and Valtz were transported to the hospital where they underwent surgery. Both men are expected to recover.

Carter was charged with attempted homicide, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. His bail was set at $362,500 and he was taken to the Monmouth County Jail.

Bylander was charged with obstruction of justice and was released on a summons.

The investigation is being led by Detectives David House and Joseph Kennedy from the Detective Bureau, and is ongoing at this point. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Bureau at 732-222-1000.