By: Richard L. Smith
An investigation in underway following a shooting incident that left a Montclair police officer and a civilian wounded on Monday afternoon.
Preliminary information indicated that the shooting occurred in the 100 block of Forest Street, Montclair, just before 3 p.m.
The New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association (PBA) released a statement confirming that a member of the Montclair Police Department had been shot, emphasizing that the officer's injuries were non-life-threatening and calling for community prayers.
"One of our members with Montclair Police has been shot this afternoon. His injuries are non-life threatening. Please keep him in your prayers," the statement read.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office also reported that both the officer and a civilian were transported to the hospital to receive treatment for injuries that were not life-threatening.
Further details on the circumstances leading up to the shooting have not been disclosed as the investigation continues.
The community is urged to come forward with any information that could assist in the ongoing investigation.
UPDATE 4:22 p.m.:
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly said there was an incident earlier today on the 100 block of Forest Street in Montclair, NJ. There was an encounter between an individual in a residence and Montclair police officers.
The individual fired a weapon striking one of the officers. It appears that an officer returned fire striking the individual.
Both the officer and individual were transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the incident. It is still early in the investigation and no further information is available at this time.