Anthony G. Attrino
NJ Advance Media Group
ESSEX COUNTY, N.J. — A police officer in Essex County diagnosed with coronavirus was taken by ambulance Tuesday morning to a local hospital after his heart stopped beating, authorities said.
Glen Ridge Police Officer Charles “Rob” Roberts, 45, had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and was recovering at home when he was stricken, the police department said in a statement.
“Glen Ridge officers responded to his aid and began life-saving measures along with our volunteer ambulance corps,” the statement said.
“They were able to successfully transport him to Mountainside Hospital where he is receiving treatment,” police said.
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Roberts is one of several Glen Ridge police officers who have contracted the virus and are recovering at home, police said.
“Please keep Officer Roberts as well as our other officers in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all of our residents for thinking of Rob and his family during this difficult time,” the statement said.
The police department said Roberts is a familiar face in the community and “known unofficially as Mr. Glen Ridge.” Roberts has been with the borough police department since June 2000.