Reports say one Newark police officer was killed and another officer is “fighting for his life” after a shootout with the 14-year-old suspect.
Shots rang out near White Castle and McDonald's around 6:30pm. ABC7 reportedcites the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.
The young gunman is said to have fired a total of 29 shots at the officers. Sources told PIX11.
Both officers were hit by a gust of bullets and taken to university hospital, ABC7 reported.
The wounded officer is in danger and is “fighting for their lives,” The Merciful Association of Police Officers in New Jersey said in a statement..
There have been conflicting reports of his teenage status, and PIX 11 sources say he was killed, but ABC 7 reported that he was taken into custody.
According to ABC 7, the suspect was hanging with a large group at a fast food restaurant just before the incident, but it is not clear what led to the shootout.
“I was updated tonight in a Newark incident. Two officers who were shot are involved.” I wrote it on x.
“This is a rapidly developing situation. Pray for these officers, their families, and all our men and women in uniforms who risk their lives to keep us safe.”
Police from the New Jersey Brothers also commented on the pointless shooting.
“FOP Lodge in New Jersey is saddened to announce that two brave hero police officers from the Newark Police Department have been shot dead on mission tonight. One officer is making the ultimate sacrifice. More information on upcoming,” Agency I wrote it on x.
Newark police have detained multiple people in connection with the shooting, ABC7 reported citing sources.
The post reached out to the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office for comment.
