Man accused of unprovoked attack on NJ policeman

PLAINFIELD, N.J. - March 14, 2012

Authorities say 35-year-old Andre Henderson approached 60-year-old Plainfield Police Officer Israel Valentin and punched the 32-year veteran in the head on Sunday. Police say Henderson repeatedly stomped on the officer after he fell to the ground.

Police Capt. Ed Santiago tells The Home News Tribune of East Brunswick (http://mycj.co/zQPePK ) 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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Information from: Home News Tribune, http://www.mycentraljersey.com

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