Suspect, Off-Duty Officer Exchange Gunfire In Elizabeth Robbery

ELIZABETH, NJ — Authorities are searching for a man wanted for robbing an off-duty law enforcement representative at gunpoint early Sunday in Elizabeth causing an exchange of gunfire between the two, Union County First Assistant Prosecutor Albert Cernadas Jr. announced.

Just after 1 a.m., the victim, a member of the New York Air National Guard Security Forces, reported he was sitting in a parked car when a man opened the driver's side door and robbed him at gunpoint, stealing his wallet and military knapsack containing other personal effects.

The victim then got his gun from his car and confronted the suspect, leading to an exchange of gunshots, according to the investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office’s Shooting Response Team.

The suspect then ran away, dropping his gun as he ran. No one was reported injured.

The suspect is described as a man, about 30 years old, standing at about 5' 10" tall, with shoulder-length dreadlocks, wearing a black-and-white shirt and jean shorts, according to the report.

Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts, or anyone with information about this incident, is being urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Nora Berrio at 908-370-3016 or Dennis Donovan at 908-527-4558.

The Union County Crime Stoppers are also offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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