Belleville Man Shoots Home Invader On Halloween: Cops

BELLEVILLE, NJ — UPDATED: This article has been updated with additional information from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. An alleged home invader shot a Belleville resident on Halloween night, but the wounded man managed to return fire and fatally shoot his assailant, police say.

On Wednesday, Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino and Belleville Police Chief Mark Minichini announced that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force is investigating a fatal shooting that took place on Berton Place.

The shooting happened around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, and appears to have begun with a home invasion, authorities said.

Prosecutors stated:

"A preliminary investigation indicates that an armed man entered the home of a resident. A struggle ensued and the resident was shot. However, the resident then fatally shot the would-be burglar. After being shot, the unidentified burglar fled and collapsed in Nutley."

Prosecutors released an additional statement on Friday afternoon, writing that the armed intruder shot the 32-year-old male resident. A struggle then ensued, and the resident got control of the gun and shot the intruder, later identified as Michael Ridley, 42, of Orange.

Ridley, fled the home and collapsed in Nutley. He was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Emergency responders arrived on the scene and transported the wounded Belleville resident to a nearby hospital for treatment. He was treated and released , authorities stated.

Prosecutors said that an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877- TIPS4-EC or 1-877- 847-7432.

The Belleville Police Department posted a social media alert about the shooting at 10:17 p.m. on Tuesday, shortly after the incident took place.

“Belleville Police are investing a shooting in the area of Berton Place/ King Street. Avoid the area there is a lot of police presence. We will update you with additional details as soon as they become available. There is no threat to the public; this appears to have been an isolated incident.”

Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page.

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