Pemberton Township police cruiser struck by gunfire

PEMBERTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Pemberton Township police say one of their patrol vehicles was struck by gunfire during the middle of the afternoon.

It happened around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Lemmon Avenue and Norcross Lane.

A 33-year-old Pemberton Police officer was sitting in a cruiser parked at Lemmon Avenue and Norcross Lane around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday when two shots rang out.

One hit the roof of the vehicle.

Police asked that we not identify the officer, a 7-year veteran who's married with a young child.

"That could have been my last day. That's what made me more angry than anything cause I have family and they could have possible never seen me again," the officer said.

Police recovered two bullet casings near an abandoned house behind the officer's car. One of the bullets hit a house across the street 100 yards away. Luckily, no one was home at the time.

Pemberton police say they don't yet know the motive for the shooting. They executed a search warrant last night at the home of a possible suspect, but no arrests have been made.

"We're working different angles. We have multiple suspects. We have multiple tips coming in. There's a lot of information coming in. We're trying to filter through the information to see what's good and what's bad," Lt. Brian Wechkus said.

"There's a cop shot program through the state PBA that's offering $20,000 for anyone that provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who did this," Chief David Jantas said.

The officer was not injured, but residents in the Sunbury Village neighborhood are concerned about the danger flying bullets pose to police and others.

"It's nervous for all of us and the kids and everything else out there. It's nerve-wracking," resident Lillian Williams said.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pemberton Township Police at 609-894-3310 or the Police Confidential Tip Line at 609-894-3352.