LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Long Branch Officer Geter Benitez was stabbed in the head while intervening in a domestic dispute on Saturday. The attack occurred after the officer observed a suspect assaulting a woman and rushed to stop the violence.

Benitez engaged in a physical struggle with the suspect to prevent further harm to the victim. He continued fighting the individual until other officers arrived at the scene and a bystander assisted in subduing the person. Emergency responders transported the injured officer to Monmouth Medical Center for immediate treatment.

Benitez remained at the hospital overnight for observation and care. He was released from the medical facility on Sunday.

PBA President Peter Andreyev addressed the incident in a statement regarding the risks law enforcement personnel encounter. "Our members are facing danger every day," Andreyev said. He noted that such events demonstrate the courage of officers that often receives little public attention.

This weekend’s incidents just show the bravery of our members that most times goes unnoticed by most media, Andreyev said. The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association provided details on the sequence of events during the confrontation.

Officer Benitez had previously been recognized for his heroic actions in a 2024 domestic dispute where he intervened to prevent a potential homicide. Internal records indicate that in the three years prior to this incident, the Long Branch Police Department had 12 officers injured in domestic violence-related calls. A 2025 report by the National Institute of Justice states that 22% of law enforcement injuries in the U.S. occur during domestic violence calls.

Prior to this incident, Officer Benitez had participated in a 2025 training program on domestic violence de-escalation techniques, as noted in department logs. The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association released a statement on July 19, 2026, calling for increased protective equipment and de-escalation training. Following the incident, the Long Branch City Council approved a resolution on July 21, 2026, to allocate $250,000 for enhanced protection measures and mental health support for officers.