Crime & Safety

Trenton Thunder Raising Funds for Injured Trenton Police Officers

Edgar Rios and James Lett were injured while responding to a domestic disturbance.

The Trenton Thunder is raising money for two Trenton police officers injured in an Aug. 15 shootout.

The Trenton Thunder will hold a fundraiser for two police officers who were injured in the line of duty last week, the team announced on Friday.

Trenton Police detectives Edgar Rios and James Letts were shot while responding to a domestic violence call on Aug. 15. Both men were hospitalized.

The assailant was killed in the shootout.

Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"When this happened, our first instinct - like many people in the area - was we've got to help," Thunder Chief Operating Officer Will Smith said.  "Many non-profits raise funds through our Trenton Thunder Charities 50-50 at each game.  We had an available date and we thank Lt. Mark Kieffer for assisting with this fundraiser.  We hope many people who support our police will join us on Tuesday - and use code TRENTONPD - so we can assist these officers even more.”

The Thunder is encouraging fans to purchase tickets for the Aug. 27 game against New Britain online at trentonthunder.com with special offer code TRENTONPD. All of the proceeds from sales using this code will be donated to Rios and Letts, according to the Thunder.

Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A small convenience fee is attached to all online sales, according to the Thunder. That fee is charged by the Thunder’s online ticket provider, and will not be donated, according to the Thunder.

Officers from the Trenton Police Department will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets the same night, with half the proceeds going to a fan and half going to Rios and Letts, according to the Thunder. Autographed team items will also be donated to 50/50 ticket purchasers, the Thunder announced.

"The community has really come out and shown their overwhelming support for Edgar and Jim.  It is touching to know that we are all in this together," said Lt. Mark Kieffer of the Trenton Police Department. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the wounded officers, their families and the Trenton Police Department.  It is with our deepest appreciation that we thank the Trenton Thunder organization for providing this venue to raise funds for Detective James Letts and Detective Edgar Rios to assist in their recovery."

The game is also Macy’s Back to School Night, with Macy’s prizes being awarded during the game, Dollar Dog Night and Kids Eat Free Night. Hot dogs will be $1 all night, and children 12 years old and younger receive a free food voucher.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.