Man Accused of Unprovoked Attack on NJ Police Officer
Authorities say 35-year-old Andre Henderson approached 60-year-old Plainfield Police Officer Israel Valentin and punched him in the head.
Wednesday, Mar 14, 2012 | Updated 7:32 AM EDT
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Authorities are crediting three good Samaritans with saving the life of a New Jersey police officer who was beaten in an unprovoked attack.
Authorities say 35-year-old Andre Henderson approached 60-year-old Plainfield Police Officer Israel Valentin and punched him in the head on Sunday.
Police say Henderson repeatedly stomped on the 32-year veteran officer after he fell to the ground.
Police Capt. Ed Santiago tells The Home News Tribune of East Brunswick a motorist pulled over and took a baseball bat from his vehicle and struck Henderson several times.
Meanwhile, a second passer-by used the officer's radio to alert authorities while a third used her car to shield the officer.
Henderson is charged with attempted murder.
The officer is recovering from broken ribs, upper body trauma and a head injury.
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