A New Jersey police officer was “fighting for their life” on Saturday after being critically wounded in a shootout in Newark that also left a second officer dead.
The gun battle erupted on Friday at Carteret St. and Broadway, near a McDonald’s and a White Castle burger place in Newark, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The 14-year-old gunman allegedly fired off more than two dozen shots during the deadly encounter, Pix 11 reported.
Both officers were rushed to University Hospital, where one of them died a short time later.
“We here at the NJ State PBA are heartbroken to share that an officer from Newark PD has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and another officer is currently fighting for their life in critical condition,” The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement.
“Please keep their families, fellow Newark PD officers, and our entire New Jersey law enforcement community in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Few other details have been provided about the encounter, including what occurred in the moments leading up to the shooting.
Neither of the officers involved has been identified.
Authorities have also been mostly mum about the suspect, but sources told ABC 7 the suspected shooter, just 14 years old, was taken into custody alongside several others. Another report indicated the teen was struck in the shootout, but that has not been confirmed.
Gov. Phil Murphy confirmed in a post on X Friday night that he was “updated on the shooting.”
“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 stated.
Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office was also closely monitoring the situation.