Hero Linden Cop Charged In Drunk Driving Crash

LINDEN, NJ — The Linden Police Officer — praised as being a hero and honored for helping to catch the alleged terrorist Ahmad Khan Rahimi — Angel Padilla has been arrested for driving while intoxicated following a car crash on Saturday.

Padilla, a 17-year veteran of the force, was driving a 2011 Jeep eastbound on W. St. George Avenue in Linden when he crashed into a 2013 Cadillac traveling in the same direction near N. Stiles Street on Aug. 26 just before 5 p.m., Linden Police report.

The driver of the Cadillac, a 54-year-old woman, was evaluated for minor injuries and released on scene. Padilla was not injured, police report.

When officers recognized Padilla as the driver, a supervisor was contacted to take over the investigation.

Padilla was charged with driving while intoxicated and released pending a court appearance.

This incident remains under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact Lt. Don Geisheimer at 908-474-8540.

Honored for actions:

Padilla was the first law enforcement officer to discover Rahimi in Linden after five explosive devices found near Elizabeth train station in 2016.

After receiving a tip on Sept. 19, 2016 that Rahimi was spotted in Linden, Padilla approached the man and ordered the suspect to show his hands. The suspect pulled a handgun and fired, striking Padilla — who was wearing a bulletproof vest — in the abdomen area.

Padilla was invited to the Joint Session of Congress by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) on Feb. 27 where he was honored.

• See Related: Police Hero Who Helped Catch Elizabeth Bombing Terrorist Invited To Congress Session

He was also honored by the Union County Freeholders in September as well.

• See Related: PHOTOS: Heroes Honored For Stopping Alleged Terrorist In Elizabeth

(Image via previous Patch story: Angel Padilla)

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