The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has taken over the lead in a shooting that left an Essex County law enforcement officer dead in a Newark West Ward neighborhood Friday night.
According to a preliminary statement released by authorities, just before 11:55 p.m., residents in the area of Sandford and Lanark avenues dialed 911 after they heard gunfire rang out in the neighborhood.
Several Newark Police officers arrived at the scene and found evidence that a shooting occurred and a vehicle with a male victim suffering gunshot injuries at that location.
Police identified the victim as Mr. Laquan Nowlin, 32, of East Orange and an Essex County Youth House corrections officer.
According to police, Mr. Nowlin was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances behind the shooting are in the early stages of the investigation.
Police say it appears that the suspect approached Nowlin's vehicle and fired through the glass before fleeing the scene.
Offcials said there is no evidence that the homicide is connected to his employment at this time. Authorities said Essex County Youth correctional workers are not provided service weapons.