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

CAMDEN, NJ — A Sicklerville man stabbed a police officer in the neck, critically injuring the victim on Sunday in Camden, authorities said.

Richard Dennis stabbed the Camden County police officer "unprovoked" just before 6 p.m., officials said. It happened while the officer conducted a business check around Broadway and Chestnut Street, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office (CCPO).

Authorities identified the victim as Joshua McKnight, a member of the Camden County Police Department in the U.S. Marine Reserve.

McKnight, 23, was brought to Cooper University Hospital. He's in critical condition but is stable and improving, a Camden County spokesperson told Patch on late Monday afternoon.

Minutes after the stabbing, Dennis was arrested on South 7th Street and Kaighn Avenue, authorities said.

Dennis, 38, 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.

He will remain in the Camden County Correctional Facility, pending the results of a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.

As McKnight spoke to another person, Dennis walked up behind the officer and stabbed him in the neck, according to court documents Patch obtained.

Dennis then fled the scene and cut through an alleyway before he was caught, his affidavit says.

He had suspected blood on his clothing, officials said.

"While in custody, Dennis made an excited utterance and asked on multiple occasions if the officer was okay," the affidavit says.

The Camden County Police Department functions as the City of Camden's local law enforcement agency. It formed when the city's police department was disbanded in 2013 and has been praised for improving relations between law enforcement and residents.

"We have rooted ourselves as an agency in community policing, which is what Officer McKnight was doing at the time of the attack," said County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. "But this heinous crime will not deter us from our goals and objectives of engaging residents and building bridges in every corner of the city."

Law enforcement around the state have expressed support for McKnight.

"This horrific ambush attack has left an officer critically injured," said Peter Andreyev, president of the state's police benevolent association. "We are asking for everyone to take a minute to pray for this officer and his recovery."

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information can contact CCPO Det. Kristen Blantz at 856-225-8642 and Det. Michael Amador of the Camden County Police Department at 609-941-9786. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.