By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Irvington Township are investigating a mid-day shooting incident near a local hotel that briefly placed a nearby school under lockdown.
According to Irvington Township officials, just before noon on Wednesday, police responded to a report of a ‘crime in progress’ at 50 Ball Street.
When officers arrived, an unidentified man armed with a handgun began firing for reasons that remain under investigation Mayor Tony Vauss has told RLS Media.
Police returned fire, but Mayor Vauss confirmed that one officer was shot in his back. He is in stable condition.
Two suspects were taken into custody at the scene. Officers briefly secured the area while conducting a search for additional suspects.
Dr. April Vauss said in a brief statement that nearby Augusta Street School was placed on a precautionary shelter-in-place order while police carried out their investigation.
The precaution has since been lifted, and Dr. Vauss noted that the incident did not disrupt the school day and staff nor scholars were never in danger.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has joined the investigation. Officials said further details will be released as they become available.