Bridgeton police say it all began around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning when 15-year veteran Officer Sean Peek of Millville and several other officers headed to a Bridgeton Fire Department EMT satellite station on Mayor Aitken Drive.
That's where they received a report of an unidentified person striking an ambulance and leaving the facility with an unknown object.
According to Police Chief Michael A Gaimari, when the 49-year-old Peek arrived, he spotted a person running into a wooded area near the Cohansey River, and eventually saw that person either jump or fall into the river. He jumped in to pull the person from the water.
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Police say the person, later identified as 29-year-old Sarah J. Davis of Connecticut, managed to make it across the river.
But Peek, in full gear, had difficulty making it back to shore and was assisted by other officers.
Peek was treated and released from a nearby hospital, and later that morning, police say he was found unresponsive by family members at his home.
Police say an official cause of death is pending an autopsy.
"Sean was a fine officer and a friend to all. He will be sorely missed,” said Gaimari.
Meanwhile, Davis has been charged with burglarizing and damaging several buildings and remains behind bars pending further investigation.