LONG BRANCH — A resident has added $5,000 to the reward to help find those who assaulted an on-duty police officer in September.

Vin Gopal donated the money, which ups the reward to $30,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever beat 12-year-veteran Michael Monahan in the early hours of Sept. 21. Gopal's contribution is on top of the $25,000 already offered by the New Jersey Police Benevolent Association through the NJ COP SHOT program and Monmouth County Crime Stoppers.

Gopal is the Monmouth County Chairman of the state Democratic party

"We appreciate a Long Branch resident stepping up in order to bring attention back to this issue. It has been nearly two months since the incident and it is important we capture the individual who assaulted Officer Monahan," New Jersey State PBA President Pat Colligan said.

According to Long Branch police, Monahan was patrolling when he saw several people with flashlights near an abandoned building by Westwood and Bath Avenue. Monahan left his cruiser and caught one of them, but was hit in the head and knocked out, according to police.

Monahan is still recovering from head and neck injuries, according to Long Branch Police.

The NJPBA asks anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers of Monmouth County at 1-800-671-400 or to text “TIPPCOP” plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES).

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