Veteran Long Branch Police Officer Assaulted, Found Unconscious On City Street

Long Branch police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office are investigating an assault on a police officer while on patrol that left him unconscious on a city street, according to Public Safety Director Jason Roebuck.

Officer Michael Monahan was on patrol shortly before 2 a.m. on Tuesday when he spotted several subjects with flashlights near an abandoned building by Westwood and Bath Avenue. He left his police cruiser to investigate, and the subjects fled, Roebuck said.

Monahan pursued them on foot and apprehended one subject before the officer was hit on the head and knocked unconscious, Roebuck said.

Other officers couldn't reach Monahan by radio. They finally located him by the light given off by his flashlight, which was lying on the ground. He was face down and unconscious, he said.

Monahan was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for observation, Roebuck said.

"We are hopeful and optimistic for a full recovery," he said. "This is another example of the sacrifices police officers endure daily, putting their lives in danger to protect the public. We are proud of Officer Monahan for his dedication to duty and hope he has a speedy recovery. This is an active investigation at this point and we are working to bring these subjects to justice."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Joseph Spitale at the police department at 732-222-1000, or Detective Pam Ricciardi at the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward for up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any suspect. The number is 1-800-671-4400.

Image: Patch file photo