By: Richard L. Smith
A police officer from the Camden County Police Department is in critical but stable condition after being stabbed during an unprovoked attack while conducting a routine business check. 
Authorities have arrested and charged a Sicklerville man in connection with the violent assault, according to a statement released by Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 23, at approximately 5:54 p.m. in the vicinity of Broadway and Chestnut Street in Camden. During the routine check, the officer was suddenly attacked and stabbed.
Emergency responders rushed the injured officer to Cooper University Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Richard Dennis of Sicklerville, was taken into custody just minutes later near South 7th Street and Kaighn Avenue.
Following an investigation led by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit in collaboration with the Camden County Police Department, Dennis was charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Attempted Murder (1st degree)
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (3rd degree)
- Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (3rd degree)
- Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (3rd degree)
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (4th degree)
Dennis is being held at the Camden County Correctional Facility while awaiting a detention hearing.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials urge anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Kristen Blantz of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 856-225-8642 or Detective Michael Amador of the Camden County Police Department.
