N.J. Police Officer Shot while Disarming Suspect Outside Headquarters

A Trenton police officer was shot in the leg and New Jersey State Police trooper was struck by shrapnel when a suspect's gun accidentally discharged.
Oct. 6, 2025
2 min read

What to know

  • A Trenton police officer was shot in the leg Saturday night across the street from police headquarters.

  • The officer suffered injuries that weren't life-threatening and was reported in stable condition.

  • The New Jersey State Police has taken over the investigation.

The Trenton police officer who suffered a gunshot wound Saturday night was shot while disarming a suspect, the department said.

A New Jersey State Police trooper suffered a shrapnel wound in the 9:15 p.m. incident, police and a troopers’ union said.

The Trenton officer suffered a wound to his lower leg and has since been released from a hospital, Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson said. The officer is assigned to a State Police Crime Suppression unit currently working in the city, he said.

Wilson did not have a full picture of the incident, as the State Police is the lead investigative agency. He said the city officer did not fire his weapon and it appears the suspect’s gun accidentally discharged.

The trooper was also treated and released, and a third non-officer suffered a minor injury, Wilson said.

Neither of the officers has been identified by authorities.

The State Police did not immediately return a message seeking comment, and no information has been released about the suspect.

The incident occurred in the area of Lincoln, Perry and North Clinton avenues across the intersection from police headquarters.

In a tweet about the incident on Sunday, Gov. Phil Murphy said: “Last night, an officer with the Trenton Police Department was shot in the leg while reaching for a suspect’s gun. While the injury was non life-threatening, we are praying for his speedy recovery. We are grateful to all law enforcement for everything they do to keep us safe.”

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