Off-duty cop assaulted while stopping car burglary, authorities say

Authorities say an off-duty Atlantic City police officer was assaulted and sustained injuries as he interrupted two teens who were allegedly attempting to burglarize a vehicle Monday.

Off-duty Officer Jon Walsh observed the two males, ages 15 and 16, as they were attempting to break into a car in the area of Jackson and Winchester Avenues at 11:20 p.m., according to Atlantic City Police.

Walsh approached the boys and identified himself as an officer at which time "both males immediately attacked Officer Walsh and began to assault him," police said in a statement Tuesday.

"One of the males struck Officer Walsh in the head with a tool," police said.

With the help of a "concerned resident" who saw the incident, the officer was able to fight off the two teens and detain them until patrol units arrived to take the suspects into custody, authorities said.

Police say the 15-year-old Ventnor resident was charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, and conspiracy. He was transported to Harborfields Detention Facility.

The 16-year-old, of Atlantic City, was charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, and conspiracy. He was taken into custody and later released to a family member, police said.

Police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident or other burglaries in their neighborhood to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at 609-347-5766 or anonymously text information to TIP411 (847411), and begin the text with ACPD.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.