Mexican National Held in Attack on Asbury Park Cop

A Mexican national living in Woodbridge faces a first-degree charge of attempted murder in connection with a 2014 knife attack on an Asbury Park police officer in which he was shot by a second patrolman.

Oswaldo Torres Quiroz, 22, of Iselin, was indicted by Monmouth County grand jurors in Freehold on six counts including attempted murder, attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and weapons charges, according to information from the office of acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Grammiccioni.

If convicted on the most serious count, Quiroz could be sentenced to as many as 20 years in a state prison, and be required to serve more than 17 years under the No Early Release Act. He'd also be subject to five years of supervised release. The remaining charges carry possible terms ranging from ten years down to 18 months.

Investigators say that Quiroz was on Main Street holding a steak knife through his shirt when officers arrived on the morning of September 29, 2014. Patrolman Carl Christie tried to disarm him and was slashed as Quiroz swung the blade, authorities said.

Christie's bullet-proof vest prevented the knife from puncturing his abdomen, but he was lacerated on the right wrist and finger. Quiroz then tried to grab the gun in the holster of Officer Johnny Washington, but Washington fired and hit Quiroz in the abdomen, authorities said.

Christie and Washington were given hospital treatment. A third officer, Anthony Butler, was not injured. Information from Grammiccioni's office did not elaborate on treatment given to Quiroz, nor on any proceedings related to the shooting.