Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Professional Standards Bureau, along with the Irvington Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, are investigating a police involved shooting of a 15-year-old Newark juvenile.
The non-fatal shooting occurred in Irvington.
The preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 12:30 AM Irvington Police responded to a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 369 21st Street. There was evidence of property damage to a vehicle at 6 20th Avenue. A short time later, someone called and offered a description of two individuals reportedly responsible for damaging the vehicle.
Police spotted two juveniles who met the description. One was 16 years old; the other was 15 years old. The 16-year-old attempted to flee but was promptly apprehended without incident. The 15-year-old struggled with the police officer in the hallway of the apartment building at 369 21st Street. Fearing for his life, the officer discharged his weapon, grazing the 15-year-old in the shoulder.
Both the officer and the 15-year-old were transported to University Hospital in Newark where they were treated and released. The 15-year-old has been charged with resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer and obstructing the administration of law. No charges were filed against the 16 year old.
Police Director Joseph Santiago said, “The officers were in the area investigating a report of shots fired and, unfortunately, a 15-year-old was shot.”
