An early morning 'active shooter' response scare that occurred at a hospital in Newark's South Ward had a massive police presence and now has authorities investigating.
According to a preliminary report received by RLS Metro's overnight weekend crew who were on the scene, at approximately 4:30 a.m. a visually shaken male arrived at the Beth Israel Hospital to visit a sick relative; possibly a parent.
Hospital officials observed the man who was armed with a gun that was strapped in his holster when he made his way inside the room where the patient was at that time according to reports.
Hospital security contacted Newark Police Headquarters, then made their way up to the room where they confronted the man who they immediately recognized as a Newark Police officer at the patient's bedside.
According to reports, the off-duty officer surrendered the holstered weapon to hospital security without incident. Hillside Police officers, already on an assignment inside the hospital, responded to the incident and was one of the first agencies at the scene.
Newark Police arrived and confirmed that the incident was a possible misunderstanding and have launched an investigation.
Our staff could find no published reports on a protocol for off-duty law enforcement officers who may wish to enter a public building or hospital armed with their service weapon.
There were no injuries reported or shots fired by police officers.