One Newark police officer was killed and another is “fighting for his life” in critical condition after a shootout with a 14-year-old suspect Friday evening, according to reports.
Shots rang out around 6:30 p.m. near a White Castle and McDonald’s where the teen was hanging out with friends, ABC7 reported, citing the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The young gunman allegedly fired a total of 29 shots at officers, sources told PIX11.
Both officers were hit in the flurry of bullets and were taken to University Hospital, ABC7 reported.
The injured officer is in critical condition and is “fighting for their life,” the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement.
There are conflicting reports about the status of the teen, with PIX 11 sources saying he was killed, while ABC 7 reported he was taken into custody.
The suspect was hanging with a large group at the fast-food restaurants just before the incident, but it is not clear what led to the shootout, according to ABC 7.
“I have been updated on an incident that took place in Newark earlier tonight involving two officers that were shot,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy wrote on X.
“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.”
The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police also commented on the senseless shooting.
“The FOP New Jersey State Lodge, is saddened to announce that two brave, hero police officers, of the Newark Police Department were shot in the line of duty this evening. One Officer has made the ultimate sacrifice. More information to come,” the agency wrote on X.
Newark Police have taken multiple people into custody in relation to the shooting, ABC7 reported, citing sources.
The Post has reached out to the Newark Police Department and Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for comment.
