A police pursuit of a vehicle occupied by suspects who reported performed an armed carjacking in Newark a short time ago has ended in a crash and an officer firing his weapon.
The carjacking occurred on Sherman and Stanton Street at around 4 p.m. when the suspect/s, armed with a gun, forced the victim from a white BMW.
Police canvassing the area for the suspect/s located the vehicle and attempted to pull it over when the driver sped away, leading officers on a chase that ended in a crash on Avon Avenue and South 11th Street.
A police officer reportedly fired their weapon, striking at least one person after a brief foot pursuit.
The condition of the suspect is unknown at this time.
Avoid the area for the investigation.
DEVELOPING
UPDATE 5:58 p.m. Suspect in critical condition.
UPDATE 6:34 pm Offcial Statement:
Newark, NJ – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino has announced that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Bureau is investigating a police involved shooting in Newark, NJ on Thursday afternoon, in which one male was wounded.
The incident occurred shortly after 4:00 pm when a Newark police officer came upon a vehicle that had been carjacked earlier in the day.
The officer attempted to stop the car, but the driver failed to stop and eluded the officer. The car, a late model BMW, was stopped near the intersection of Avon Avenue and South 11th Street.
At this point, the suspect attempted to still elude the officers and in the course of attempting to arrest the suspect, one officer discharged his weapon striking the suspect.
The suspect was transported to University Hospital, where he is currently being treated. The identity of the suspect is pending formal identification.
Attorney General guidelines require all county Prosecutor’s Offices to respond to incidents whenever a law enforcement officer discharges a weapon.
The investigation is active and ongoing at this time.
Anyone with additional information may contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Professional Standards Bureau at (862) 520-3700.