Stabbed in the head, NJ officer fought on to save a woman

Long Branch Police Officer Geter Benitez is being widely praised as a hero after intervening in a violent domestic dispute early Saturday morning, July 18, 2026.

Around 4:40 a.m., Benitez responded to a domestic violence call at an apartment on the 200 block of Cleveland Avenue.

While officers were speaking with those involved, the woman’s ex-boyfriend, Faustino Leiva, suddenly attacked her with a large knife, stabbing her multiple times.

Leiva had previously told the victim he intended to kill her.

Long Branch officer rushes into violent knife attack

Hearing her screams, Benitez immediately ran in, tackled Leiva off the woman, and worked to restrain him.

During the struggle, Leiva stabbed Benitez in the head, causing a large laceration and significant blood loss.

Despite the serious wound and heavy bleeding, Benitez kept fighting to subdue the attacker until other officers and a bystander helped take Leiva into custody.

Officials credit Benitez's quick actions with saving the woman’s life. Leiva was charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlawful weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Benitez was rushed to Monmouth Medical Center, where he was treated and kept overnight.

He was released to a strong show of support; fellow Long Branch officers and other first responders gave him a standing ovation and as he left the hospital, bandaged but smiling and walking under his own power.

Long Branch officials call officer a true hero

Long Branch Public Safety Director Charles Shirley said Benitez “placed himself directly in harm’s way, without hesitation, to protect a resident of this city from a lethal attack,” calling his actions reflective of the highest standards of the department.

The City of Long Branch has also publicly hailed him as “the true definition of a hero” for continuing to protect the victim despite his injury.

God bless these officers and specifically Geter Benitez for being willing to risk his own life to save a crime victim.

He represents the best New Jersey law enforcement has to offer.