Teen Dies After Botched Carjacking Of Off-Duty Cop

Prosecutors say a Newark teenager died after he tried to carjack an off-duty Newark police officer, which led to a shootout with the officer and a failed getaway that ended with a car crash.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray says the officer, whose name wasn't disclosed, was confronted around 5:15 a.m. Saturday by 17-year-old Vincent Owens of Newark.

The officer and Owens then exchanged gunshots, and Owens was struck at least once before he got into a waiting stolen getaway vehicle with several other people inside. But it soon crashed, and Owens was ejected.

Owens died a short time later at a hospital. But it's not clear if he died from his gunshot wounds or injuries suffered in the crash.

The officer was treated for shock.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)