Police Car Chase, Gunfire In Newark; Suspect In Custody: Prosecutor

NEWARK, NJ — A detective fired his weapon prior to a vehicle chase in Newark on Tuesday afternoon, but nobody was struck by gunfire, authorities said.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office released the following statement about the incident:

“At approximately 1:26 p.m., a Newark detective observed a stolen Mercedes Benz in the area of Passaic Street and Oriental Street. As the detective approached, the driver of the Mercedes struck the detective and his police vehicle. In the course of the assault, the Newark detective discharged his service weapon. It does not appear that anyone was struck by gunfire. The Mercedes then fled the area and proceeded north on Route 21 towards Belleville, with Newark police in pursuit. The Mercedes crashed in the area of Grafton Avenue and Rt. 21. One 19-year-old male has been taken into custody.”

The Newark detective has been treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

Prosecutors noted that “it is still early in the investigation and this information is preliminary.” No additional details were immediately available.

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