Man Accused of Unprovoked Attack on NJ Police Officer

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.