Marques Jones case: Man accused of shooting Camden County police officer appears in court
The man accused of shooting a Camden County police officer made his first court appearance on Wednesday as the officer he was accused of shooting sat in the audience.
The officer survived a shot that likely ricocheted off his ballistic vest, but the attorney for the accused shooter maintains the case isn't as "open and shut" as it may seem.
The officer was identified by the prosecutor as Officer William Clark of the Camden County Police Department. Sources tell Action News he's 25 years old. He sat in the courtroom surrounded by fellow officers who came to support him.
"I talk to him a couple of times a week. He's doing very well. He's in good spirits and he's eager to get back," said Deputy Chief Chris Sarlow of the Camden County Police Department.
Before the judge - in yellow prison scrubs- sat 25-year-old Marques Jones, who is recovering from his own injuries.
RELATED | Camden County police officer shot in arm; bullet may have ricocheted off ballistic vest: officials
"My client is also a victim," argued defense attorney Joellyn Jones. "He almost lost his life that evening."
While arguing for his release, Jones' attorney pointed out that the suspect has no criminal record. The judge, though, decided the suspect, who was also shot, should remain in custody.
The suspect is facing first-degree attempted murder charges, accused of shooting the Camden County police officer in the arm.
"We want him to have a full recovery and make sure justice is served," said Sarlow.
Carter was shot on the night of November 4 near North Chesapeake and Congress roads in Camden.
According to the Camden County prosecutor, Officer Carter was trying to stop Jones, who was walking.
Prosecutors say as Officer Carter exited his car, Jones fired several shots, hitting Carter in the arm. Police say that's when a sergeant who was with Carter returned fire, hitting Jones in the chest.
Jones' defense attorney argues that Officer Carter did not identify himself as police.
"He literally, in the middle of the night in Camden, in an unmarked car and regular clothing, jumps out of a car without identifying himself in any way, shape or form," the attorney said.
Prosecutors say Officer Carter was in plainclothes, but that he had on a vest with reflective police lettering. They also say the suspect fired first with an illegal gun.
"He was carrying an unlicensed firearm with an extended magazine," said Camden County Assistant Prosecutor David Dietz.
There is body camera footage in this case. It's in the hands of the New Jersey Attorney General's office. They're handling two investigations in this case: one for the shooting that injured Officer Carter, and another for the sergeant who shot the suspect.
The next court appearance is scheduled for December 24.
