A man is in jail after two Galloway Township police officers were attacked responding to a 911 hangup Sunday night.
Keith Kiminsky, 30, darted out of the residence and came at Officer Erik Tarnow just seconds after his mother came out of her front door telling the officers he had a knife, video released by police shows.
"My son's having (muted by video)," the woman tells Tarnow. "He's got a knife with him right now."
"He's got a knife?" Tarnow asks, as the woman confirms.
Just after asking where the son is, Kiminisky quickly walks out of the house toward the officer.
"Hold on. Hold on. Hold on," Tarnow says, as the body camera footage shows his hand go up to halt the man. "Stop!"
But Kiminsky continues forward as the camera is blocked.
Tarnow was stabbed on the side of his face, and is hospitalized with a "significant cut to the side of his face," Lt. Mark D'Esposito said.
A violent confrontation ensued, according to the report, with the wounded officer taking Kiminiski to the ground.
Tarnow and Officer Hunter Thomas fought Kiminski for several minutes until additional backup arrived on scene, D'Esposito said.
Both officers were taken to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus in Atlantic City, where Tarnow had surgery for his injuries.
Thomas was treated for a minor head injury and released.
Tarnow was released Monday afternoon, and is home resting.
The officers went to the home in the 300 block of Cresson Avenue after several hang up calls to 911 came from that residence, according to the report.
Kiminski, who does not appear to have a criminal history, was charged with numerous offenses including attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and resisting arrest.
He is in the Atlantic County Justice Facility pending his first appearance.
“This incident is another reminder of the dangers that our police officers face on a daily basis,” Police Chief Richard Barber said. “We are grateful that Officer Tarnow is recovering well, and our department will be here to fully support Erik and his family.”
The Galloway Township Police Department thanked the assisting agencies: The Pleasantville, Absecon, Atlantic City, Hamilton Township and Stockton University police departments, Galloway Township EMS, AtlantiCare Paramedics and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
They also thanked the staff of AtlantiCare "for their professionalism and efficiency with treating our officers."
"Most of all, we would like to thank our family, friends, and wonderful community for their strong outpouring of support," the statement said.
