A Newark police officer with the intelligence unit was shot just after 8:30 p.m., in Newark’s West Side neighborhood Tuesday evening sustained non life threatening injuries in what officials are calling an unprovoked attack.
According to statements given by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka during a press briefing on the matter, Intelligence officers were in high crime area near 14th Avenue and 14th Street, when they approached a suspicious person.
Without provocation, the individual in question brandished a weapon and immediately started to fire upon officers, striking one in the groin area.
“A little after 8:30pm the intelligence unit came upon the scene, which is a known area for activity we get a lot of calls in this area.
They approached an individual who obviously was suspicious and asked him a few questions.
Before the conversation ended the gentleman pulled out a gun and began opening fire without provocation, struck one of the offices.
By the grace of God, he’s doing well, you know.
He was immediately arrested without any other shots being fired, which is a miracle in it of itself, and he is in custody now.”, said Mayor Baraka.
Mayor Ras said community based policing is the best foot forward during this holiday season and throughout the year to reduce violent crimes. The Mayor also mentioned officers are having more interactions with residents in an effort to build stronger relationships.
The injured officer was transported to University Hospital for evaluation where he was listed in stable condition.
A firearm was recovered at the scene and the suspect was taken into custody.
Video by Dakota Santiago (FreedomNewsTV)
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