September 21, 2016
Authorities in Monmouth County and detectives with the New Jersey State Police are investigating after a Long Branch Police Officer was found beaten and unconscious early Tuesday morning near an abandoned building.
According to the Long Branch Police Department, Officer Michael Monahan was on patrol near Westwood and Bath Avenue when he observed several subjects with flashlights at the abandoned building. Monahan exited his vehicle to investigate and pursued the suspects on foot when they fled the scene.
Monahan, a 12-year veteran, managed to apprehend one of the subjects before he was struck on the back of his head and knocked unconscious.
Several responding officers were able to reach Monahan by radio and locate him by detecting light from his flashlight on the ground. He was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Sent and placed under observation.
"This is another example of the sacrifices that police officers endure daily, putting their lives in danger to protect the public," Long Branch Police Department Director Jason Roebuck said in a statement. "We are proud of Officer Monahan for his dedication to duty and hope he has a speedy recovery."
The New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association and the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers are offering a combined $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Monahan's attack.
An investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers at 800-671-4400 or submit tips by texting "MONMOUTH" to 274637 (CRIMES). Tips are also sought by Detective Joe Spitale of the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000.
