A veteran Asbury Park park was stabbed during a struggle with a Woodbridge man who was threatening his ex-girlfriend outside her Main Street apartment.

Police respond to a shooting on Main Street in Asbury Park
Police respond to a shooting on Main Street in Asbury Park (ABC 7)
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Patrolman Carl Christie was stabbed with a 10-12" steak knife as he attempted to subdue 22-year-old Oswaldo Torres Quiroz, a Mexican National living in the Iselin section of Woodbridge according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. Quiroz's ex-girlfriend called police after he showed up on the sidewalk trying to speak with her. The two had not dated in several months.

First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Marc LeMeiux did not know a motive for Quiroz's actions or if he was under the influence. LeMeiux said Quiroz's immigration status is being investigated.

Quiroz cannot return to the scene of the crime nor have contact with his victims.

The 15-year-veteran of the Asbury Park police was treated for a "significant" laceration in his right wrist and finger. An attempted stab to the abdomen was stopped by Christie's protective vest.

Two other police officers continued to try and disarm Quiroz as he swung the knife around. Officer Johnny Washington shot Quiroz in the abdomen when he reached for Washington's gun. Quiroz is in stable condition following surgery. He is charged with first degree Attempted Murder, second degree Attempting to Disarm a Law Enforcement Officer, third degree Resisting Arrest, third degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, fourth degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and fourth degree Possession of a Prohibited Weapon. He is being held on $735,000 bail.

Main Street (Route 71) through Asbury Park was closed for much of the day as police conducted an investigation.

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Rosetta Key and the Associated Press contributed to this report

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