North Bergen officer found inside car with apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound

NORTH BERGEN – A local police officer is fighting for his life after a possible suicide attempt Wednesday night, Oct. 18, according to a town press release.
North Bergen police responded to a 911 call regarding a man shot inside a vehicle on Durham Avenue, shortly after 9:30 p.m. Upon arriving they found Sgt. Alexander Vazquez, 32, inside of a parked vehicle with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, the release said. He was off-duty at the time.
The responding officers immediately took Vazquez to a nearby trauma center, to receive treatment for life-threatening injuries, per the release.
Vazquez is an officer with more than 12 years of service, the release said. He once served on-loan to the FBI’s Violent Crimes Taskforce.
“Alex Vazquez was a stand-out athlete and district champion wrestler for the North Bergen High School,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco, in the release. “As a North Bergen police officer he is regarded by his peers as a leader and a good friend to many in the department. I am praying for Alex and his family during this trying time.”
“The entire department is in shock over the tragic event that unfolded late last night,” added Chief Robert Dowd in the release.
“We are all praying for Alex, his wife Natalie, their children, Alex’s parents and siblings. I would like to thank the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, the Jersey City, Hoboken, West New York, Union City, and Fairview Police Departments for providing additional manpower and resources to the North Bergen Police Department during this crisis.”
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Division is currently leading the investigation, along with the North Bergen Police Department providing support.