Cops: Scene 'Quickly Escalated' At Bergen Library Shooting Last Week

The incident involving Eric K. Allen being shot and killed by police at the Lyndhurst library last week ’quickly escalated’ after police began questioning Allen, authorities said.

A police officer who was “familiar with Allen” saw him go into the library; Allen also allegedly had a warrant out for his arrest, police told NorthJersey.com.

Allen allegedly fled after the officer started talking with him. Another officer arrived but Allen broke free and ran around the reading area on the top floor, threatening people. The officers told Allen to get down and Allen refused. The police first tried to subdue Allen using pepper spray and a baton before shooting him, the report said.

Several people at the scene said Allen frequented the library often and watched videos or listened to music on the computers, NJ.com said.

The officers involved in the shooting were transported to the hospital for trauma, but were not physically injured, NorthJersey.com reported.

(Pictured: Kevin K. Allen, 36/Courtesy of Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli)