Possible carjacking attempt, police-involved shooting in New Jersey
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police are investigating after reports of a possible attempted carjacking and police-involved shooting in New Jersey Tuesday afternoon.
There was a large police presence in front of University Hospital in Newark following the incident, which happened at 12:45 p.m. at 109 Bergen Street.
Authorities did not release many details, other than to say two plainclothes law enforcement officers -- a Newark officer and a New Jersey state trooper -- were operating an unmarked vehicle while on-duty in the area of South Orange Avenue and Bergen Street in Newark when they encountered a Honda CRV and interacted with the occupants.
Both vehicles continued to travel, and then authorities say one of the occupants of the Honda brandished a weapon, prompting both officers to open fire.
The occupants fled the scene in the vehicle and have not been apprehended. It is not believed anyone was struck by the gunfire, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Honda was eventually located on 17th Avenue in Newark, and it was later discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen in Newark on May 3, 2019.
A witness tells Eyewitness News that he heard gunshots and then saw a gold-colored van and another vehicle fleeing from the IHOP parking lot across the street.
It appears as many as five suspects fled the scene, but the case is under investigation.
Because the incident involved a Newark police officer, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office is handling the investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345.
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