Prosecutor: Police Shoot, Wound Jersey City Man

Prosecutors say police shot and wounded a Jersey City man who opened fire on two officers and then ignored directives to drop his gun.

Twenty-three-year-old Grant Franklin remained hospitalized Sunday, a day after the street confrontation occurred. He faces four counts of attempted murder and several weapons charges.

Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio tells The Jersey Journal newspaper that Jersey City police found Franklin when they responded to reports of a man pointing a pistol at passing cars. He says Franklin fired two shots at two officers as they got out of a marked police cruiser.

Several others officers soon arrived, and four of them fired shots at Franklin when he raised his gun. He was struck multiple times in the arms and legs.

DeFazio did not identify the officers, who were not injured. DeFazio said a preliminary review shows the shooting appeared to be justified, telling the newspaper "obviously it was very intense situation. This was a dangerous and volatile situation." He said it was not yet known why Franklin had the gun -- which was recovered at the scene -- or why he shot at the officers.

DeFazio's office will review the matter, which is standard policy in all police-involved shootings.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)