By Kenny Walter
Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH- A former Long Branch police officer was stabbed during an alleged incident at Arena Bar on April 9.
Ex-Long Branch Police Officer Joseph Walker, 47, and Rial Valtz Jr., 40, was each stabbed while at the bar, located on the corner of Second and Brighton avenues, just before midnight by two assailants, who were later arrested, according to a Long Branch Police Department press release.
Walker and Valtz were transported to the hospital, and after surgery, both are expected to recover.
Michael Carter, 24, of Sea Bright and Emmanuel Bylander, 26, of Eatontown, have both been arrested in connection with the altercation.
The pair fled the scene and were pursued by the security staff. Bylander was found and arrested by Officer Matt Widdis in the Windmill parking lot. Security staff flagged down Officer Sam Yoo, and with assistance from Officer James Bierne, they located and arrested Carter, who was hiding under the staircase leading to the West End beach.
Carter was charged with attempted homicide, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Bail was set at $362,500 and he is currently residing in the Monmouth County Jail. Bylander was charged with obstruction of justice and was released on a summons.
The altercation began inside the restaurant and continued outside and grew to involve the security staff. During the melee, Walker was stabbed four times in the stomach and the face and Valtz was stabbed once in the back.
Following the incident, Sgt. Robert Bell was flagged down by the security staff at the Arena Bar and responded to the location and located two stabbing victims, and called for first aid and more officers.
Walker is a former Long Branch Police Officer, who has not been employed by the department since 2009. Initial reports indicate Walker and Valtz were patrons of the bar when the altercation took place and helped security escort the combatants outside.
The investigation is being led by Detectives David House and Joseph Kennedy from the Detective Bureau, and is ongoing at this point. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Bureau at 732-222-1000.
