‘Felt like I was in a bubble’
Bulletproof vest saves East Orange
sergeant hit during shootout
East Orange Sergeant Michael Williams Jr.,
gave NJ State PBA members, family and friends
in attendance a reason to award one of the
night’s longest standing ovations and a thunr
Valo
dering round of applause.
AWARDS
That’s the type of deserving recognition you
get after taking a bullet to the chest in the line of
duty.
On Nov. 5, 2014 Williams, a member of the
anti-crime unit, was patrolling the area and observed a male riding
a bicycle with a hooded sweatshirt wrapped tight around his face.
“There was just something about it, the way he was riding that
bike,” recollected Williams. “I got on the radio and called to the other
units to back me up and I said ‘looks like it’s going to be a good one.’”
Prior to the unit’s arrival, the male pulled up along the passenger
side of Williams’ patrol vehicle.
Williams exited his vehicle and ordered the male to the front of the
patrol vehicle. The man waved off the officer.
“He said, ‘Get out of here, man,’” Williams stated.
The suspect attempted to ride off and Williams grabbed his sweatshirt, causing the man to fall from his bike to the ground. While on
the pavement, the subject began pulling off his sweatshirt and
swinging his arms, breaking free from Williams’ grasp.
A chase ensued.
As the suspect ran, he reached into his waistband, pulled out a
handgun, turn