Gunfire Wounds Montclair Cop; Nearby Schools Shelter In Place (UPDATE)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — EDITOR'S NOTE: Read our update to this article here.

A police officer and a shooter exchanged gunfire in Montclair on Monday morning, causing a temporary shelter-in-place at several nearby schools, authorities said.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office said there was an encounter between a person in a home and Montclair police officers on the 100-block of Forest Street. The person fired a weapon, striking one of the officers. One of the officers apparently returned fire, hitting the shooter.

The injured officer and the alleged shooter were transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, prosecutors said.

An investigation continues, authorities added.

Attorney General Matt Platkin, a Montclair resident, said state officials are coordinating with law enforcement and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office to "ensure a thorough investigation."

The New Jersey State PBA reported Tuesday that the officer who was shot has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Montclair township officials issued an update on Monday evening:

"We are grateful to report that the Montclair police officer injured in the [line] of duty today is on the road to recovery. Thanks to the swift response and exemplary conduct of our police department, the suspect involved in the shooting has been apprehended. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone wishing our officer a speedy recovery."

SCHOOLS

A spokesperson with the Montclair Public School District told Patch that police advised administrators to shelter-in-place due to a shooting on Forest Street. The order was given at both high school buildings, as well as Renaissance and Watchung schools and Woodman Field.

Police have given an “all-clear” and students are in classes. They will dismiss as usual, administrators said Monday afternoon.

Montclair town officials referred to the shelter-in-place situation in a message on social media, writing that "the school is not involved and there is no potential threat to it."

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