One police officer was shot in a major gun battle between two suspects and police in Jersey City, N.J. storefront on Tuesday afternoon, leaving multiple others dead and wounded.
UPDATE – 6:00 p.m. EST: Police Chief Michael Kelly confirmed one police officer was killed along with three other victims and two suspects, CNN reported. The officer was identified as Detective Joseph Seals, a 15-year-veteran of the department.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop confirmed at least one other officer was struck by gunfire, and two other officers were injured by other means.
Just provided a brief update to press as scene is still active but secure. 2 officers struck by gun fire. One of the officers tragically has given his life. 2 other officers receiving medical treatment at the jcmc for injuries unrelated. Please keep these officers in your prayers
— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) December 10, 2019
Chief Kelly also said the scene spans three separate locations and the investigation will take months to complete. He also confirmed investigators were looking into a stolen U-Haul truck at the scene, which was suspected to contain an explosive device.
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UPDATE – 3:55 p.m. EST: One police officer was reported killed and three other officers were wounded in the shootout. Police have confirmed two suspects are down inside the bodega. Police have also confirmed “multiple people” have been killed inside the store, according to ABC7 News.
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The initial shooting started near Bay View Cemetery where the officer was wounded in the shoulder. At least one suspect was then seen fleeing into a bodega where the suspect reportedly continued firing at police officers.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) office in Newark, New Jersey confirmed the active shooter incident.
Breaking: @ATF_Newark Agents responding to reports of an active shooter in Jersey City, NJ. pic.twitter.com/lC48sne5ov
— ATF Newark (@ATF_Newark) December 10, 2019
Police reportedly took cover in the surrounding area and reports have claimed someone could be seen moving from one building’s roof to the next, indicating one or more shooters may still be active.
Responding officers were seen sweeping the streets in the apparent search.
Exclusive video from the scene of the active shooter in Jersey City.@BlueLivesNYC @ImperatriceV pic.twitter.com/WGmpYDaDhl
— NYC Blue Lives Photographer (@bluelivesphoto) December 10, 2019
The wounded officer was reportedly taken to Jersey City Medical Center.
Several schools in the area were also placed on lockdown, though bystanders could be seen walking along the streets even as additional police resources arrived in response to the incident. City public transportation, including bus services and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, has also been suspended.
According to Breaking 911, police believe one man and one woman to be the suspects in the ongoing incident. Police believe the pair arrived in a U-Haul van and had long-guns with them.
SWAT teams were part of the response and snipers were also seen posted on rooftops in the surrounding area.
Hey I go to Henry Snyder Hs, a highschool that is now on lockdown in Jersey City Nj, the shooting was close to us. There are snipers on the roof and now there’s a helicopter. I’m scared. pic.twitter.com/0OLiVylQPd
— @gguk (@clitaerus) December 10, 2019
One victim from the bodega was also being treated for injuries and as many as four more people were expected to be inside the bodega where the shooters were taking cover.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Jersey City Police Department, especially with the officers shot during this standoff, and with the residents and schoolchildren currently under lockdown,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said.
