Authorities say a man armed with a knife advanced toward a Bernards Township police officer before the officer fired a single shot.
BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 31-year-old New Jersey man has been charged after authorities say he advanced toward a Bernards Township police officer while armed with a knife, prompting the officer to fire during a tense, half-hour standoff.
According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Bernards Township police responded at approximately 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, after receiving a 911 text requesting a welfare check on a man who was bleeding and possibly intoxicated near Mountainview Boulevard.
Officers located the man, identified as Jake Smolinsky, of Asbury, seated in the driver’s seat of a Subaru sedan while allegedly holding a knife.
Authorities said officers spent more than 30 minutes attempting to persuade Smolinsky to exit the vehicle, drop the knife and allow them to render aid for his visible injuries.
During the encounter, prosecutors allege Smolinsky told officers to “put one right here” while pointing to his head.
Investigators said Smolinsky later got out of the vehicle and walked toward a Bernards Township police officer while pointing the knife at the officer.
According to prosecutors, the officer fired one shot, striking Smolinsky in the abdomen.
Officers immediately began lifesaving measures before Smolinsky was taken to a nearby hospital, where authorities said he is in stable condition.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit are investigating the officer-involved shooting.
Following the investigation, prosecutors charged Smolinsky with second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
He was served with the complaint at the hospital and will be lodged in the Somerset County Jail upon his discharge pending a court hearing.
Authorities asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit or the Bernards Township Police Department.
The charges are allegations, and Smolinsky is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Authorities say a Bernards Township police officer shot a knife-wielding man after a 30-minute standoff.
- Jake Smolinsky, 31, was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
- Smolinsky remains hospitalized in stable condition while the investigation continues.