Cranford, NJ cop injured in shooting during Parkway chase, reports say

🚨A chase ensued when a van refused to stop for Cranford police

🚨The van crashed and shots were fired at a police officer, according to reports

🚨The Attorney General's office is investigating the crash

A Cranford police officer was shot during a chase on the Garden State Parkway late Thursday night.

Two officers were pursing a stolen vehicle which ended with a crash at Exit 131 (Wood Avenue) in Woodbridge, according to the Attorney General's office.  The driver of the van and the officers exchanged gunfire just around midnight. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A firearm was recovered near the driver.

One officer was taken to a hospital for treatment of a non-fatal gunshot. RLS Metro Breaking News reported the officer was struck in the arm.

The identities of the officers and driver were not disclosed by the Attorney General's office.

Messages of sympathy

Gov. Phil Murphy and PBA President Pat Collgan confirmed the shooting in separate social media messages.

“These officers confronted a violent criminal and were shot at," Colligan said on the social media platform X. "One officer was wounded, but thank God he will make a full recovery. Keep the officers, Cranford PD, their families in your prayers."

Murphy said the Cranford officer's injuries were non-life threatening.

"Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. We are praying for the officer’s swift recovery," Murphy wrote.

Attorney General's office leading the investigation

The Attorney General's Office is leading the investigation per state law which requires  them to conduct investigations of encounters with a law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity that end in death.

The right lane and shoulder of the Parkway and the exit ramp were closed for an investigation during the morning commute creating a multi-mile delay. The road was reopened around 8:15 a.m.

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