Update: Newark Cop Shoots Teen After Youth Aims Car At Him: Prosecutors Say

NEWARK, NJ — Investigators are probing a police shooting that wounded a 15-year-old juvenile in Newark, authorities announced Tuesday.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office released an initial statement about the shooting, which read:

“The preliminary investigation indicates that a police officer approached a car which was reported as a suspicious vehicle in the rear of a house on the 100-block Lyons Avenue. As he approached the vehicle, it is alleged that the driver of the vehicle attempted to use the car as a weapon. The officer responded by firing at the vehicle. One male sustained multiple gunshot injuries. He was transported to University Hospital.”

A second male suspect, who was also in the vehicle, was taken into custody, prosecutors said.

Newark police released an updated statement on Tuesday afternoon:

“The preliminary investigation indicates that on Tuesday, March 15 at approximately 7:31 a.m., Newark police officers were dispatched to the 100-block of Lyons Avenue in Newark on a report of a suspicious car. When the officers arrived, they discovered two males in a Dodge Charger behind a home on Lyons Avenue. It is alleged that the driver of the car drove toward the officers. One officer discharged his weapon, shooting one of the juveniles in the car. A second juvenile, age 17, was also in the vehicle. He was uninjured. He is in custody. The injured juvenile underwent surgery today. At this time his condition is unknown. A total of four Newark police officers were at the scene.”

The Professional Standards Bureau of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the investigation, which is active and ongoing, authorities said.

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