The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that their office has taken over the investigation into an incident where several Newark Police officers were involved in a dispute at a bar that ended in physical confrontation, reports of shots fired, and a police officer removed from the scene in handcuffs early Saturday morning.
A public information request sent to Newark Police officials by RLS Metro's Weekend crew was swiftly answered by Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose who condemned the alleged disruptive behavior of four officers who he immediately suspended for the incident.
According to a preliminary investigation, residents who live in close proximity to the Allure Lounge -417 Halsey Street- dialed 911 after a violent dispute that reportedly originated inside the bar spilled out onto the street then ultimately ended in reports of shots fired at approximately 2:20 a.m.
In a statement released to RLS Metro Breaking News, Director Ambrose stated that the event at the bar was a private party, where one off-duty police officer was arrested and a total of four officers suspended.
Director Ambrose said the unidentified officer was taken into custody then released.
"A civilian was also arrested for possession of a loaded handgun. This incident is being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Police Division’s Office of Professional Standards,” said Director Ambrose."
Director Ambrose would not immediately say what involvement the remaining three officers played in the incident but did refer all questions to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.
Sources say a verbal dispute turned violent when a female detective engaged in a verbal confrontation that resulted in a physical altercation between her and an unidentified person over a birthday cake inside the bar.
The source, who wished to remain anonymous, did release the identity of the officers but a spokesperson for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office are preparing an official statement that they said will be released sometime today.
“The officers involved have three years on the job and will be dealt with accordingly. I will not tolerate officers grossly neglecting or violating the law or behaving in a disorderly manner whether on or off duty. Although these officers conducted themselves in a manner contrary to the standard, the majority of Newark police officers work hard and strive for excellence,” Director Ambrose said in the statement released to RLS Metro Breaking News.
Longtime residents living on Halsey Street said they have seen some exciting incidents coming from the bar but Saturday morning's event "takes the cake" and was the epitome of nonsense.
There were no severe injuries reported.