Police: Man stabbed Vineland officer in face

VINELAND, N.J. (WPVI) -- A Cumberland County man is facing several charges after police say he stabbed a responding officer in the face in Vineland, New Jersey.

Twenty-six-year-old Johnny E. Flores is being charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted assault, third-degree aggravated assault on a police officer and related offenses.

It happened around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 700 block of South Valley Avenue.

"I know for a fact the individual that lives there has mental issues," said Jose Perez, neighbor.

But apparently that was unknown to Vineland police officers who had accompanied the New Jersey Department of Human Services workers to the house to check on the well-being of a child.

The Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office says when the officers approached the front door, Flores came running out and stabbed one of the officers the face and head.

And even after being taken into custody, a neighbor says Flores was spitting at officers who had to place something over his head.

"A sock or something covering up because the spit was going all over the police," said Miguel Morales, neighbor. "I said, 'Oh my goodness. They don't have no respect for the officers.' "

The officer was taken to Inspira Medical Center Vineland where the Police Union says he received stitches on his face and head and was later released.

A second officer, who suffered minor injuries, was also treated and released.

"He has mental issues and I think that's what happened. I'm pretty sure because, other than that, it's pretty quiet around here," said Perez of Flores.

"I'm just stunned. I know they got chickens over there. I hear roosters crow in the morning. That's all I know about them. They're pretty quiet," said Michael Grahman, neighbor.

Police Union Chief Greg Pacitto says the officer is 40-years-old and a 14-year veteran.

Flores is being held on $500,000 cash bail.