A police officer helps a woman with her luggage after informing her that Terminal A had been shut down by police at Newark Liberty Airport in Newark, New Jersey December 20, 2010.
A police officer helps a woman with her luggage after informing her that Terminal A had been shut down by police at Newark Liberty Airport in Newark, New Jersey December 20, 2010. REUTERS

KEY POINTS

  • A 15-year police veteran Sean Peek died at his home after trying to save a suspect from drowning
  • Peek responded to a burglary call over the weekend and saw a woman running
  • He then saw her "either fall or jump" into the Cohansey River
  • The woman made it across, but Peek had difficulty due to his equipment and gear
  • Peek was later found unresponsive at home by his family after being released from the hospital

A New Jersey police officer died at his home hours after trying to rescue a suspect who jumped into a river over the weekend.

A 49-year-old Bridgeton Police Department officer, Sean Peek, responded to a call at the EMT satellite station of the Bridgeton Fire Department around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The 15-year veteran was dispatched after receiving a report of someone “striking and ambulance with an unknown object” as the vehicle was leaving the facility, NJ.com reported.

As Peek responded, he saw a person running through the woods near the Washington Street bridge. He then saw her “either fall or jump” into the Cohansey River, Police Chief Michael Gaimari told the outlet.

Police gather evidence a day after a deadly shooting at a Jewish deli in the New York suburb of Jersey City
Police gather evidence a day after a deadly shooting at a Jewish deli in the New York suburb of Jersey City Afp / Bryan R. Smith

“Sean made a decision as would any officer and entered to water in an attempt to pull the person from the running waters no matter the circumstances,” added Gaimari.

The woman eventually made it across the river, while Peek had trouble making it back to shore as the officer was still wearing all of his equipment and gear.

Other responding officers were able to help Peek get out of the water. He was then treated at the scene and brought to Inspira Health Center for evaluation, said NJ.com.

The suspect, who was later identified as 29-year-old Sarah Jeanne Davis, was arrested and evaluated at the medical center. Police said Davis was charged with “burglarizing several city-owned structures” after she allegedly broke windows and damaged equipment.

Following his evaluation, Peek was released from the hospital and sent home. Unfortunately, his family found him unresponsive early Sunday. The cause of Peek’s death was pending an autopsy, said Fox News, citing a statement from Gaimari.

“We are naturally devastated here at the department,” said Gaimari. “Sean was a fine officer and a friend to all and always acted in exemplary fashion when representing the department and the City of Bridgeton.”

Peek is survived by his wife, Megan and their 8-year-old daughter, Kate.

A Macomb County Sheriff undercover deputy also saved a drowning suspect Monday. Bodycam footage showed the deputy taking his clothes and shoes off when the person attempted to swim across the Clinton River.

Officer.com said responding deputies noticed the man “struggling to swim and start to disappear under the water.”

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