Police seek ATV rider who struck 2 Camden Co. officers

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police are looking for the ATV rider who struck two officers in Camden, New Jersey.

The incident happened around 11:15 p.m. Saturday at the East Coast Gas Station on Newton Avenue.

"This could have been much worse. The officer is lucky to be alive at this point," said Camden County Deputy Chief Joseph Wysocki.

Authorities say Detective Kenneth Egan and Officer Nicole Berry were working a robbery case in the area when they notice the suspect tampering with equipment at the gas station.

Surveillance video captured the moment the two pulled up in their unmarked car. Next we're told the suspect got on his ATV and attacked.

"There's no doubt in my mind that he knew he was being engaged by two officers," Wysocki said.

When the police first arrived, the suspect ran into the passenger side door. It was open, and as a result of the impact it smashed into Officer Berry, injuring her.

Then, police say, Detective Egan ran over to help his partner, but the suspect ran him over.

"Hit his head, was knocked unconscious, and the ATV went over him," Wysocki said.

The detective suffered a severe concussion and bruised ribs.

As for Officer Berry, she suffered bruises on her face and several lacerations.

They were both rushed to Cooper University Hospital and are now on leave.

Wysocki says there was another ATV at the scene with a man and woman onboard. They're wanted for questioning, as police hope to find the suspect before someone else gets hurt.

"We need your help to identify who this driver was. It looks like this was clearly an attempted murder of an officer. He intentionally ran this officer over," Wysocki said.

The suspect is described as a black or Hispanic male driving a black, four-wheel racing style ATV with a square body style, a headlight in the front and a rectangle rear tail light.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Camden County Police Department tip line at (856) 757-7042.

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