East Orange Police Officer Shot

 Newark—Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and East Orange Police Chief William C. Robinson announced today that Robert O’Neil, 28, of East Orange has been arrested and charged with attempted murder for shooting an East Orange police officer.

At approximately 11:22 a.m. today Sergeant Michael Williams, a 12-year veteran of the East Orange Police Department was patrolling in the area of New Street and North Oration Parkway when he encountered O’Neil. The suspect pulled an automatic weapon on the police officer, shooting him in his lower abdomen. The bullet struck the officer’s bullet proof vest, preventing serious injury.

Sergeant Williams was part of an anti-crime, quality of life unit that works in that area. Williams discharged his weapon but did not hit O’Neil. The suspect was taken to East Orange General Hospital.

O’Neil, who had an open warrant out of Morris County, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, resisting arrest and weapons offenses. He is currently in custody.

The officer was transported to University Hospital in Newark where he was treated and released.

The charges against the defendant are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.