Officer Stabbed In Ambush Is On The 'Road To Recovery': Camden Co. Police

CAMDEN, NJ — The Camden County police officer who got stabbed in the neck is no longer in critical condition, his department said Tuesday.

A man snuck up behind Officer Joshua McKnight and stabbed him in the neck Sunday evening in Camden, authorities said. McKnight, 23, was rushed to Cooper University Hospital, where he was listed in critical but stable condition as of late Monday afternoon.

• Read more: Man Stabs Officer In Neck, Critically Injuring Victim In Camden: Prosecutor

McKnight has made progress during treatment. He is in stable condition and "on the road to recovery," the Camden County Police Department said Tuesday morning in a statement.

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen also visited McKnight in the hospital on Monday and said the officer appeared to be stable and in good spirits.

"The random assault on one of our Camden County Police Department officers was a cowardly and disgusting act of violence," Carstarphen said. "The CCPD put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe."

The suspect, Richard Dennis, assaulted McKnight "unprovoked" as the officer conducted a business check in Camden, authorities said. He was arrested shortly after.

Dennis, 38, of Sicklerville, was charged with attempted murder (first-degree), aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (third-degree), aggravated assault of an officer (third-degree) and weapons offenses.

Dennis remains jailed in the Camden County Correctional Facility, with a detention hearing set for Thursday.