Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Professional Standards Bureau of the Prosecutor’s Office are investigating a police involved shooting.
The preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 12:30 p.m. on 4th Avenue and North 9th Street in the city of Newark, officers with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Narcotics were conducting an investigation when they attempted to arrest a suspect.
The suspect fled on foot. There was a brief foot chase. As the officers approached the suspect he reached for a gun. Officers fired two shots killing the suspect. A loaded gun was recovered at the scene and suspected narcotics were later found on the man who was shot.
The suspect who was killed has been identified as Jose Quinonez, 22, of Newark.
A crowd gathered as the incident unfolded. Acting Prosecutor Murray contacted the members of the Newark Clergy Alliance who responded to the scene to speak with residents and the family and to quell tensions. Consistent with protocol in all police involved shootings, the matter will be presented to the grand jury.
The names of the sheriff’s officers are not being released at this time. They were taken to the hospital to be evaluated.
The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is available at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-847-7432.
