2 Egg Harbor Officers
Shot During Traffic Stop

Police and Law Enforcement News
Thursday, July 13, 2006 5:21 p.m.

There are varying reports as to the facts, but this is what we have so far.

At approximately 1:00 a.m., officers with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department made a motor vehicle stop on Route 322.

Christopher Blank

During the stop, an altercation ensued.

The suspect reportedly grabbed the service weapon of one of the officers and was able to get off several shots.

According to the Press of Atlantic City,

One of the officers, Clear Constantino, a woman, was shot twice, and she remains hospitalized in critical condition in Atlantic City, while her male partner, Chris Leary, was in stable condition. The two were shot during a car stop near Rodef Shalom Cemetery, off the old Cardiff Circle.

Officer Leary was reportedly wearing body armor.

A third officer was fired upon by the suspect but was not hit.

When the call went out at least six different agencies began racing their troops to the scene.

The driver was later apprehended.  Also from the Press of Atlantic City:

The suspect, Christopher Blank, was apprehended by a police K-9 unit about 5 a.m. after hiding out in a sandpit. Hundreds of officers were involved in the search.

Please say a prayer for both officers.

We will post updated information as it becomes available.

Police and Law Enforcement News
Thursday, July 13, 2006 5:21 p.m.