BRIDGETON, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A police officer died just hours after jumping into a river to try and save a person in New Jersey Sunday.
Bridgeton Police Chief Michael A. Gaimari Sr. said 49-year-old Sean Peek was dispatched to a Bridgeton Fire Department EMT satellite station with other officers at approximately 1:30 a.m. after reports that someone threw something at an ambulance.Gaimari said Peek spotted a person running in a nearby wooded area along the Cohansey River and then witnessed them either fall or jump into the Cohansey River."The woman eventually made it across the river but Officer Peek had difficulty making it back to shore as he was still donning all of his equipment and gear," Gaimari said.
Other responding officers helped Peek out of the water then apprehended the woman, officials said.Peek was treated at the scene and taken to Inspira Hospital in Bridgeton to be examined.The 29-year-old woman from Connecticut was also taken to the hospital and released. She was then taken to jail and charged for burglarizing several city-owned structures – including the EMT station – and breaking windows, police said.Peek was later released from the hospital and relieved of duty until he was cleared to return to work.Family members later found him unresponsive at his home.
"We are naturally devastated here at the department, Sean was a fine officer and a friend to all and always acted in an exemplary fashion when representing the department and the City of Bridgeton," Gaimari said. "He will be sorely missed and our hearts collectively go out to Megan and their eight-year-old daughter Kate."
An official cause of death for Peek is pending an autopsy.
