Tomorrow, September 24th, will mark the second anniversary of one of the worst day’s in LPD’s history, in which four officers of Lakewood’s S.R.T. team were shot during a no-knock warrant shootout. As a result of the incident, the department was left with three less police officers.
The news – first reported by TLS – broke at about 2:45 a.m. on September 24, 2009, when multiple officers were shot on MacKenzie Street, while attempting to take a drug dealer into custody.
The officers rammed in the door of the MacKenzie Court home and began heading upstairs, only to be sprayed by a hail of bullets from the gunman waiting for them at the top of the stairs, who officials believe may have been tipped off, according to a report.
A gunfight ensued, and the gunman was injured after being shot several times, but not before shooting four officers.
Patrolman Jonathan Wilson was shot in the face and remained in critical condition for days following the shooting, which resulted in the blindness of one eye.
Lieutenant Louis Sassow, as well as Patrolman Lenny Nieves Sr. were injured after taking a bullet to the chest, which although deflected by the bullet proof vest, left them badly bruised.
Captain Gregory Meyer – who was in command of the S.R.T. team that night – sustained a serious injury after being shot in the foot, but remained at the scene until he was assured that all his other team members were safe, that the home was secure, and that the suspect was in custody. Only then was he transported to the hospital.
Another officer – Jason Diffoot – was also injured during the incident, when he fell into the wall, and other officers fell on top of him, injuring is neck.
Since the incident, Nieves, Wilson and Diffoot, all retired.
The shooter, Jaime Gonzalez, 39, was indicted on 34 charges related to the shootout. Gonzalez, who was also shot in the exchange of gunfire, was charged with 11 counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault for each of the officers involved in the raid. The indictment also charged him with six drug offenses, four weapons charges and one count of fortifying his home for illegal drug activity and another aggravated assault charge relating to all the officers.
His weapon used in the attack – a .357 Magnum – had been reported stolen from South Carolina.
Ganzalez, will be in Ocean County Court on September 26 for a Status Conference, an Ocean County official tells TLS. At the conference, it will be determined if a plea deal will be accepted. TLS.
Press conference following shooting:
Brave men and women our LPD, one and all. God Bless them and keep them safe!
the worst day in lakewood was when 317 got killed that was a very bad day because he gone there all alive he not rip 317
Read the headline of article…”one of the worst days” no doubt 317 was the worst and 270 but this was ONE OF THE WORST read before you say something stupid
you hurt my feeling 3
Just cause these blog sites are base on anonymity, dont assume for a second that “wow” isn’t a direct family member, colleague or friend to the fallen officer. what he/she said is an opinion and in there case they may have taken offense to the title. no need to say what theyre feeling is stupid. with that said, im not sure how you were effected by the shooting on mackenzie court, if one of your friends or loved ones were involved or even worse injured im sure it was one of the worst days for you. let’s just remember that people view incidents differently, no need to talk badly about one another
hey wow, are you kidding me, every single one of these stories is a bad day in Lakewood, when it’s one of our finest, from this town yes it’s a bad or in your words “ONE OF THE WORST DAYS’ everyday can be that day, so to LPD thank you, thank you, for jobs well done
Agreed
get all these gangsters out of our town
thank you l.p.d
Stop the hate be thankful we have such a great PD.
Seems everyone forgot or is unaware of another “worst day” December 23, 1976, we lost two fire fighters, any time we lose a public servent is a worst day.
why is it taking so long to bring this guy to trial?
Trials take 2-3 years before a sentence is given
In a few hours, it will be the 2nd anniversary of “MacKenzie Court”. I learned what I capable of doing, and what I can over come. I learned who my brothers are and who will stand by my side in the worst, and most trying of times. I just want to take this moment to thank them. I also want to thank the ones who trained me.
What iS TLS talking about “according to a report”. Reports have not been released in this investigation. The reason the guy has not been brought to trial is because he may not have shot four officers, but peolpe are afraid to speak the truth about the incident and reporters are afraid to report or investigate the facts.
god bless the LPD
Trials take atleast 2 years before they start
Eric and all the rest thank you so much for being there for each other and the community. LPD has some very sad moments which we all mourn. They also have so many joyous and proud moments which we can all celebrate and applaud. We don’t take u guys for granted. G-d bless u all and may he keep u safe!
Thank you Moshe
Eric for president !
truth is, i have a feeling u know more about the incident then others know about..please elaborate bcuz its very interesting to me if the suspect didnt shoot four officers, then who did….my comment is peaceful maybe u can tell us more u dont seem afraid to speak up..i admire your courage