Newark Cop Shot in Confrontation With Armed Robber, Prosecutor Says

A Newark police officer was wounded Wednesday afternoon responding to an armed robbery in progress at a Clinton Avenue business, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.

The 19-year veteran of the Newark Police Department whose identity was not released suffered non-life-threatening injuries, the prosecutor’s office said. The shooter was also wounded and is expected to survive, the prosecutor’s office said.

“First and foremost, we are relieved that there has not been any loss of life. We expect the officer and the suspect to recover,” Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said. “While the investigation is ongoing, one thing is clear, police officers put their lives on the line everyday for the people who live and work in this city. And, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to collaborate with the Newark Police Department to ensure the city is a safer place.”

According to the prosecutor’s office, several Newark community members played a key role in apprehending the bandit.

Nearby citizens initially reported the robbery, and as officers responded to the retail establishment in the 300 block of Clinton Avenue, there was a confrontation with an armed robber, the prosecutor’s office said.

Witnesses then held the robber down and rendered aid to the wounded officer, the prosecutor’s office said.

The robber was transported to University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is under armed guard. He was expected to be charged later Wednesday.

“With the help of the community, police were able to quickly locate the officer and the suspect effectively stopping an incident that could have been a lot worse,” Newark Police Director Eugene Venable said. “I thank the community and hope for continued support to as we go forward in our quest to improve the quality of life for all citizens and visitors of the great city of Newark.”