A police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey resulted in an officer being shot and the driver being fatally wounded, according to the attorney general’s office.
A dramatic shootout took place shortly before midnight on Thursday near Exit 131 in Woodbridge.
According to investigators, a Cranford officer was struck in the arm when the driver of a stolen work van, who was being pursued by the police, got out of the vehicle and started firing a weapon.
According to Pat Colligan, president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, the suspect spun out of control and began shooting when Cranford officers approached him. In response, the officers fired back, resulting in the suspect’s death.
The officer, whose name has not been disclosed, was quickly taken to University Hospital, according to Colligan.
According to police sources, the chase originated at the intersection of Centennial and Grant in Cranford, near a bustling bar.
During the investigation conducted by the New Jersey attorney general’s office, it was discovered that a firearm was found in close proximity to the driver.
“We are currently living in an extremely perilous era, where nothing can be assumed or taken for granted,” stated Eric Shea, a resident of Cranford.
In April 2022, the attorney general’s office made revisions to the police pursuit guidelines. These revisions now permit pursuits in various situations, such as residential burglaries and vehicle thefts, due to an increase in occurrences of both.
Mike Barry, a retired Port Authority Police sergeant currently with the National Police Defense Foundation, emphasizes the importance of considering various factors when driving. These factors include road conditions, time of day, location, and population density.
The Cranford Police Department is refraining from commenting as the matter is currently under investigation by the attorney general.
Governor Phil Murphy, currently away from the state, expressed his support on social media for the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety. He emphasized his hope for the officer’s quick recovery, highlighting the significance of their sacrifices.
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