UPDATE: Man accused of killing officer identified



“Today was a horrible day for Jersey City,” said Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, who held a press conference this morning at the Jersey City Medical Center announcing the death of Officer Melvin Santiago.

Santiago, 23, was pronounced dead at the Jersey City Medical Center after being shot while responding to a report of an armed robbery at the Walgreens store at Communipaw Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard early this morning, Fulop said.

At 4:09 a.m. Santiago and another officer responded to the Walgreens from Bergen and Lexington avenues and were the first officers to arrive at the scene. The gunman, who has not yet been identified, opened fire on the marked police car. Santiago, who was still in the vehicle, was struck in the head, Fulop said at the press conference.

Santiago was rushed to the Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later, Fulop said.

Additional responding officers returned fire and the gunman was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. The armed security guard at the Walgreen's stated that the actor struck him and took his weapon, which police believe was the weapon used in the shooting.

“It is a tragic situation when any officer is killed in the line of duty,” Fulop said. “Melvin was an officer who represented everything one would want to see in a police officer. I know the entire city's thoughts and prayers are with the Santiago family during this difficult time and we mourn together."

Ashley Etienne, 17, the niece of Pierre Monsanto, 54, the security guard whose gun was taken away, said her uncle was severely beaten and is at the Medical Center where he is being interviewed by detectives. She said the family has not been able to see him as yet.

"We don't know what happened, but he was badly beaten," she said. Her uncle works for a private security firm, she said.

According to Jersey City payroll records, Santiago was hired by the Jersey City Police Department on July 15, 2013.

According to Santiago's Facebook page, he studied criminal justice at Hudson County Community College and attended CREATE Charter School in Jersey City. He graduated from the charter school in 2009.

In 2008, Santiago was one of three Hudson County high school seniors to earn the New Jersey Rising Scholars Award.

The Jersey City Police Benevolent Association issued the following statement:

"Our hearts are heavy with the news that Patrolman Melvin Santiago lost his life in the line of duty earlier today.

"Only 6 months on the job, Patrolman Santiago had already proven himself to be a proud member of the JCPD. Patrolman Santiago knew the risks associated with this job, yet he put himself in front of danger in order to keep Jersey City safe.

"Words can not adequately express our feelings about this senseless tragedy.

We respectfully ask that every member of the Jersey City community join with us in giving our thoughts and prayers to Patrolman Santiago and his family."

Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto of Secaucus released the following statement today.

"I am beyond saddened to hear of the tragedy this morning in Jersey City. The loss of Officer Santiago is yet another shocking reminder of the dangers police officers face each and every day, the bravery they exhibit constantly and how we need to continue working to reduce violence in our communities. The bravery of Officer Santiago and his dedication to protecting public safety must never be forgotten.

"On behalf of the New Jersey General Assembly, and with deep sadness, I send my condolences to the family and friends of Officer Santiago, the Jersey City Police Department and the people of Jersey City as we mourn together as a state. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them all in the difficult time ahead."

A press conference is scheduled at City Hall, 280 Grove St., at 11 a.m.

Jersey City Public Safety Director James Shea said around 10:15 a.m. this morning that the investigation is ongoing and more details will be released at 11 a.m.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s’ Office is in charge of investigating murders and shootings involving police officers in the county.

Journal writer Terrence McDonald contributed to this post.