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A New Jersey police officer has died two months after he was shot during a struggle with a suspect, authorities said Sunday.
Deptford cop Robert Shisler “paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty” when he succumbed to his injuries Sunday, Police Chief Joseph Smith said in a press release.
The 27-year-old officer was rushed to the hospital March 10 after he and suspect Mitchell Negron exchanged gunfire, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office said.
Shisler fatally shot Negron, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Negron ran from Shisler after the officer tried to stop the 24-year-old while he was walking, the attorney general’s office said in March. A .38 special revolver belonging to Negron was recovered at the scene, NJ.com reported.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the Shisler family during this difficult time of bereavement,” Smith said. “Though nothing can take away the pain of his passing, Bobby’s incredible strength and bravery will be an unforgettable example of being Deptford Strong. He was the best of all of us.”
Shisler was born and raised in the town, and lived there before his tragic death. His prolonged hospital stay was at Cooper University Hospital in Camden.
“Officer Shisler will always be remembered for his dedication and commitment to the residents of this great community,” Smith said. “We are extremely grateful and thankful for his service.
“He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.”
Following the shooting, the police department continued to ask residents to pray for Shisler as he fought to recover. Local students wrote get-well letters to the cop and various community events were held to raise funds for the officer’s hospital bills.
The department encouraged residents to donate blood and take a first aid course on behalf of Shisler. A social media campaign dubbed #shislerstrong showed support for the police officer.
His grandmother said in an April 24 Facebook post that Shisler had undergone numerous surgeries and lost part of his right leg, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Thank you so very much for your prayers and love,” Ethel Hawkins wrote, noting Shisler’s father and brother were also police officers. “We appreciate each and every prayer for him and our family.”
Shisler’s patrol car was parked outside the town municipal building Sunday night with flowers and a thin blue line flag draped over the windshield.
The shooting — and what prompted it — remain under investigation by the state AG’s office.
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