Gunfire At AutoZone In West Orange; Robbery At Exxon Gas Station

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange recently saw a shooting inside an AutoZone and an armed robbery at an Exxon gas station. Both incidents happened within the same week, police said.

According to a town spokesperson, police from West Orange and Orange responded to the AutoZone at 7 Main Street at 1:30 p.m. on July 25 after getting a report about gunshots.

The shooting took place after a verbal argument inside the store between several customers and employees. The dispute eventually “turned physical,” and an employee was shot, suffering a non-life-threatening injury, authorities said.

The customers and shooter fled the store before police arrived; a description of their vehicle was given to police.

“This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to public safety,” authorities said Wednesday, adding that there are no additional updates on the case.

GAS STATION ROBBERY

Three days later on July 28, an armed robbery took place at the Exxon gas station at Eagle Rock Ave and Prospect Avenue around 4:30 p.m., West Orange police said.

The suspect robbed the cashier at gunpoint, but no shots were fired and there were no injuries, authorities said.

“It appears that the West Orange robbery matches suspect’s incidents in gas station robberies in Secaucus, Union and Hanover Township one hour before hitting West Orange,” authorities said.

The Newark Police Department later recovered an unoccupied vehicle that is suspected to be connected to the case. It is currently in possession of the West Orange Police Department, who will coordinate with Hanover Township for processing.

No additional updates were available as of Wednesday, authorities said.

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