Long Branch Officer Stabbed in Head While Saving Woman from Knife Attack

A Long Branch police officer has been released from the hospital after he was stabbed in the head while intervening in a violent domestic attack early Saturday morning.

According to Long Branch officials, Patrolmen Geter Benitez and Franzblau responded to an apartment on Cleveland Avenue at approximately 4:40 a.m. on July 18 following a report of domestic violence.

While officers were speaking with those involved, authorities said a woman’s ex-boyfriend, identified as Faustino Leiva, allegedly began stabbing her multiple times with a large knife.

After hearing the woman’s screams, Officer Benitez rushed toward the suspect and tackled him off the victim. During the struggle to place Leiva under arrest, Benitez was allegedly stabbed in the head, suffering a large laceration and significant blood loss.

Despite his injury, Benitez continued helping restrain the suspect until Patrolmen Franzblau and Guzman, with assistance from a Good Samaritan, were able to take Leiva into custody.

Officer Benitez was transported to Monmouth Medical Center for treatment and has since been released from the hospital.

Authorities credited his immediate response with saving the woman’s life.

Leiva has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlawful weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The charges are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

“We are proud of our police officers and the personal sacrifices they make every day serving the people of Long Branch,” Mayor John Pallone said. “Officer Benitez put his life on the line to protect one of our residents from what could have been a deadly assault.”

The investigation remains ongoing.