Community Reacts to Cop`s Rampage

In Seaside Heights, there was disbelief that 42-year-old officer Edward Lutes – who had been on the force for 15 years – could resort to such a show of violence. Kathy DiChiara – who has had a motel across from the police station for 27 years and knows all of the officers – was concerned about the wounding of Seaside Chief James Costello with whom she is friends.

Chief Costello was shot and wounded outside his Barnegat Township home. He had been called to work last night after learning of officer's Lutes' rampage. As he went to his garage he saw Lutes coming up the driveway and then Lutes opened fire.

Action News spoke with the chief's son. Jason Costello is an officer with the Stafford Township police department. He was on duty last night and was told to go home. He also knew officer Lutes.

Jason Costello: "Shocked. Didn't know what to do. I considered him a friend, a good guy. Until now. Totally out of character." Similar sentiments were expressed by Chief Costello who spoke from his hospital bed Wednesday morning. He was at a loss to explain the rampage and said: "I really don't know he's a very close friend of mine."

Author: 6 ABC-AP