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Two Sussex County officers, Sergeant Marc Nietubyc and Sergeant Roy Rohel Junior, have been named State Troopers of the Year for their bravery in a tense situation involving a man in mental health crisis. The incident occurred at a motel in Branchville, where the officers responded to a call about Nicholas Martinez, who was reportedly in "crisis mode" and armed with a knife and a BB gun resembling an Uzi.
Upon arrival, the officers attempted to deescalate the situation. However, Martinez shot down a State Police drone with an air rifle during a 10-hour standoff. When law enforcement entered the room using non-lethal Oleoresin Capsicum aerosol grenades, Martinez fired a .22 caliber air rifle, injuring two troopers. One officer was shot in the mouth, and another in the abdomen. Both officers were treated at Morristown Medical Center and are expected to recover fully, according to State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan.
Martinez was charged with attempted murder, terroristic threats, and unlawful possession of an air rifle, among other offenses. A court date for his first appearance is anticipated soon. The officers' actions in safely apprehending Martinez under such challenging circumstances earned them the prestigious recognition.
