Police officers fired at from rooftop in Newark, NJ, reports say
BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Newark officials confirmed on Tuesday evening that a gunman shot two officers at close range, not from a rooftop. An updated story is available at this link. Our earlier version of this story is below
NEWARK —Two police officers were injured when a rooftop gunman opened fire in the city's South Ward on Tuesday afternoon.
Law enforcement told NBC 4 New York that officers were serving a warrant at a home near Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue in the Weequahic section when they were shot at from above.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office told New Jersey 101.5 that two officers are being treated at a hospital but did not disclose additional details. CNN reported that as of 4 p.m. the officers were in stable condition.
A SWAT team entered the residential neighborhood almost immediately.
Residents told News 12 that they heard around 12 shots fired.
Authorities have not said whether the gunman remains on the loose. ABC 7 Eyewitness News reported officers are sweeping the building looking for the gunman and have not had contact with him.
Law enforcement NBC 4 New York that the situation is "under control" and there was no further threat to the community but no suspect was in custody. Other officials told NJ.com the shooter remained at large.
ABC Eyewitness News said the nearby Chancellor Avenue School was put on lockdown but all students were safe and were dismissed as usual.
RLS Metro Breaking News reported over a dozen shots were fired in the direction of two officers.
NJ Transit buses have been re-routed around the scene of the shooting
Gov. Phil Murphy on his Twitter account said he is aware of "an unfolding situation" in Newark.
"I am in touch with local authorities and the State is providing resources as requested. We will continue to support local law enforcement and ensure that all residents are safe," the governor said.
U.S. Rep. Donald Payne D-NJ (10th District) was also monitoring the situation.
"Encouraging everyone to follow the directions of police, stay away from the scene and remain vigilant by going indoors and locking your doors," Payne said in a tweet. "Also sending prayers to the injured."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured officers and all the officers handling the Newark attack. This level of violence must be stopped and condemned by everyone," NJSPBA President Patrick Colligan said in a tweet.
This is a breaking story. Check back for additional details.
Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com
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