Off-Duty Newark Police Officer Killed in Paterson

A Newark police detective was shot and killed early Monday morning during an attempted robbery in Paterson, according to officials with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.

Michael Morgan, 32, apparently was outside Sunrise Lounge, a go-go bar near Straight Street and Getty Avenue, when he was shot around 3 a.m. He was transported to St. Joseph's hospital in Paterson, where he died.

John Latoracca, the chief assistant prosecutor in Passaic County, did not mention Morgan by name, but Newark police officials released details identifying the officer.

Latoracca said Morgan and a woman were approached outside the strip club by "a tall, thin black man" who brandished a gun and demanded cash.

It's unclear what happened next because the prosecutor declined to comment on specifics, citing the ongoing investigation. "The officer was shot once in the torso," he said.

The woman, whose name, age and relation to Morgan were not released, was not shot, according to Latoracca.

In Newark, Mayor Cory Booker and Police Director Samuel DeMaio, released a joint statement Monday morning about the officer's murder.

"Our condolences go out to the family of Detective Michael Morgan. Detective Morgan was a proud and courageous servant of our city," Booker said. "His loss is tragic and the circumstances of his death make it all the more painful. Our prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved this great man."

DeMaio said Morgan was a six-and-a-half-year veteran of the force who worked in the special investigations unit at the time of his death.

Derrick Hatcher, president of Newark's Fraternal Order of Police, called Morgan a "good" officer.

"Mike was a helluva good cop," said Hatcher. "(He) had lots of friends in the police department."

As of Monday morning, no suspects had been identified or arrested, according to Latoracca.

The state patrolmen's benevolent association is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

Morgan is the second Newark police officer to be killed this year.

In May, off-duty officer while apparently ordering pizza at a restaurant in Newark. Johnson, who authorities said was not the target, later died at University Hospital in the city.

This is a breaking news story. Continue to check Patch for updates.