A Bridgeton police officer died Sunday, after being released from the hospital following a life-saving incident earlier that morning.
Family members found Officer Sean Peek, 49, unresponsive in his Millville home late Sunday morning, Bridgeton Police Chief Michael A. Gaimari Sr. said.
An official cause of death is pending an autopsy.
Peek was working the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift Saturday into Sunday when he responded to a call at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
An ambulance was leaving the Bridgeton Fire Department when someone struck it with an unknown object, according to the report.
When Peek arrived, he saw the suspect run into a wooded area near Washington Street, and then saw her either jump ro fall into the Cohansey River, Gaimari said.
The 15-year veteran then went in after her.
“Sean made a decision, as would any officer, and entered to water in attempt to pull the person from the running waters no matter what the circumstances,” the chief said. “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.”
Responding officers helped Peek from the water, while other officers apprehend the woman.
Sarah Jeanne Davis, 29, of Canton, Conn., was taken into custody. She was arrested after being examined and the hospital, and is now in the Cumberland County jail pending the completion of the investigation.
She is currently charged with breaking several windows and causing more than $1,000 in damages to equipment.
Peek was treated at the scene and taken to Inspira Hospital, where he was treated and released.
He was relieved of duty pending clearance to return to work.
“We are naturally devastated here at the department," Gaimari said of Peek's death. "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.
"He will be sorely missed and our hearts collectively go out to (his wife) Megan and their 8-year-old daughter, Kate.”
No funeral arrangements have been announced.
