Police have identified the man who was shot by a Newark police officer following a reported altercation.
Newark police officers were on the street late at night as they worked as part of a firearms interdiction team. The officers stopped the man near South 9th Street and South Orange Avenue, where they attempted to interview him.
According to authorities, the man attempted to flee the officers – first by trying to get into a cab, and then on foot. A struggle allegedly ensued, with a veteran police officer firing a shot and hitting the man.
After the shooting, the man was taken to nearby University Hospital. According to a spokeswoman with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the man was listed in critical condition.
The 27-year-old Newark resident is reportedly the father of four children, with one more child on the way. According to his sister, he comes from a large family and has 18 siblings.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement indicating that they are currently investigating the incident. This is standard procedure anytime there is a police shooting.
According to police, officers found a weapon at the scene. However, no charges have been filed at this time.
For more information, see the NJ.com article entitled “Man Shot by Cop Identified as Newark Father of 4.”
