Newark, NJ — A tragic incident unfolded in Newark on Friday evening, resulting in the death of one police officer and injuries to another. The officers, who were part of the Newark Police Department, came under fire just after 6:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Broadway and Carteret Avenue, authorities said.
Responding immediately to the shooting, both wounded officers were rushed to University Hospital. Despite efforts to save them, the Essex County prosecutor’s office confirmed that one officer succumbed to their injuries. The condition of the second officer, who sustained injuries, has not been disclosed.
Local law enforcement sources reported that a juvenile, suspected of being the shooter, was apprehended following the incident. The suspect was also injured during the event, though the specifics of those injuries have not been made public. The details surrounding the events that led up to the confrontation are still under investigation, with authorities describing the situation as “active and ongoing.”
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic scenario leading up to the gunshots. Randy Mejia, who works nearby, recounted hearing noises that resembled a car accident, followed by several gunshots. He observed several police officers running down the street moments before the shooting occurred. “They were chasing, but I don’t know if they were chasing somebody,” Mejia explained. “I saw maybe four cops on the way down toward the street.”
The Newark community and officers from neighboring areas immediately showed their support, congregating outside University Hospital on Friday night. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also made a visit to the hospital to meet with the injured officer, later expressing his concern on social media. “This is a rapidly developing situation. Please pray for these officers, their families, and all our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” Murphy posted.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin also issued a statement, emphasizing the daily risks law enforcement officers face. “Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities, and tonight is a painful reminder of the depth of the sacrifices they make,” Platkin stated, urging the community to keep the officers and their families in their thoughts.
The incident has deeply affected the local community and heightened concerns about safety and gun violence. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover more details about the shooter’s motives and the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
This incident marks a somber day for Newark and serves as a grim reminder of the dangers police officers regularly encounter. The Newark Police Department, along with state officials, continues to investigate the shooting, hoping to provide answers and justice for the fallen officer.