An investigation has been launched after Jersey City Police officers came under fire in what officials described as an unprovoked attack on Friday afternoon.
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that multiple police vehicles were struck when an armed man opened fire near the intersection of JFK Boulevard and Clinton Avenue at approximately 1:20 p.m.
According to Eyewitness News, the officers were driving marked police cars when the assailant began shooting without warning. Authorities said the gunfire was not the result of an ongoing police pursuit or engagement, but rather appeared to be a random assault.
Sergeant Returned Fire, Suspect Hospitalised
Law enforcement sources told ABC7 New York that one police sergeant exited his vehicle under fire and returned shots at the gunman. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was struck during the exchange and transported to a nearby hospital. His condition remains unknown as of Friday evening.
Officials stressed that no civilians were injured in the incident. The four officers targeted were taken to hospital for precautionary evaluation and treatment related to trauma, though none sustained physical gunshot wounds.
Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Leads Probe
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has assumed responsibility for the investigation, in keeping with New Jersey protocols for officer-involved shootings. “A thorough investigation will be conducted,” the office said in a statement, adding that members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to come forward.
The shooting has unsettled residents in the area, which lies just blocks from several schools and residential buildings. Meanwhile, the authorities have not yet confirmed whether the suspect had any prior encounters with law enforcement or a known criminal history.