A veteran police officer has passed away moments after putting his life on the line to help save a fleeing suspect accused of burglary.
49-year-old Sean Peek was a New Jersey cop who joined the Bridgeton Police Department 15 years ago and lost his life while attempting to save 29-year-old Sarah Jeanne Davis on Sunday.
While fleeing from the scene of a burglary on Sunday morning, Davis reportedly jumped or fell into the Cohansey River.
After the police officer spotted the woman in the water, he immediately jumped in. While the suspect eventually got back on solid ground, the cop’s equipment made it difficult for him to get to safety.
“Sean made a decision as would any officer and entered to water in attempt to pull the person from the running waters no matter what the circumstances,” Police Chief Michael Gaimari Sr. expressed.
“The woman eventually made it across the river but Officer Peek had difficulty making it back to shore as he was still donning all of his equipment and gear.”
While Peek was eventually pulled out of the water by other officers and treated at the hospital, he died at his home later that morning shortly after he was discharged from the hospital.
According to the reports, the officer’s cause of death is being investigated.
“Sean was a fine officer and a friend to all and always acted in an exemplary fashion when representing the department and the City of Bridgeton,” Gaimari added.
“He will be sorely missed and our hearts collectively go out to Megan and their eight-year-old daughter, Kate.”
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Replaced!