Atlantic City, NJ, Police: Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Hitting Officer, K9 in Stolen Vehicle

The Atlantic City Police Department says one of their officers and his K9 partner escaped serious injuries after they were hit by a fleeing stolen vehicle Tuesday night.

Officials say the scene unfolded around 9 PM when three detectives spotted a car that had been previously been reported stolen and had fled from a traffic stop in the city earlier that day.

A press release states,

[D]etectives initiated a motor vehicle stop at New Jersey and Baltic Avenues and were assisted by K9 Officer Anthony Grajales-Prado and his partner, K9 Chase. After the vehicle stopped, a passenger, Najaye Cooper-Albright, exited and attempted to run away. [A detective] quickly apprehended Cooper-Albright who resisted arrest before being taken into custody.

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The driver of the vehicle, 18-year-old Kasauhn Carpenter of Atlantic City, then allegedly accelerated towards Officer Grajales-Prado and K9 Chase, who were both hit by the car.

Both sustained minor injuries; Grajales-Prado was treated at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center-City Division.

Carpenter was arrested by New Jersey State Troopers on Route 42.

Carpenter has been charged with attempted murder, four counts of aggravated assault, two counts of assault by auto, eluding, and hindering apprehension. He was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

18-year-old Najaye Cooper-Albright of Atlantic City was charged with obstruction of justice, unlawful taking of means of conveyance, and resisting arrest. He was released on a summons with a future court date.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.