Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray has announced that authorities are investigating a shooting incident, in which an off-duty federal agent shot two individuals, who were part of a group that was trying to rob him. Newark Police were dispatched to a shooting call in the area of 131-133 Van Buren Street shortly after 1:00 am today. Arriving officers were met by an off-duty federal agent from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who advised the officers that he was accosted by four males who attempted to rob him as he was walking in the area. The federal agent was knocked to the ground and was being physically assaulted by the four assailants, who were also trying to remove items from the agent’s pockets. Fearing for his life, the agent discharged his service weapon striking two of his attackers. The other two assailants fled the area.
The two suspects that were shot, an 18 year old male and a 19 year old male, both from Newark, were transported to University Hospital, where they have been admitted in stable condition, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly of the Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit. Several hours after the incident, detectives apprehended a 16 year old male from Newark, who was also involved in the robbery attempt. The two adults and the juvenile have been charged with Robbery and Conspiracy according to Fennelly. The fourth suspect remains at-large.
The matter is being investigated by the Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Task Force and Professional Standards Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to contact Task Force detectives at (877) 847-7432 or (973) 621-4586.
POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING IN NEWARK'S IRONBOUND INVESTIGATED
Newark