A New Jersey state trooper was shot in the leg and seriously injured on Wednesday night in the city, and at least one person is in custody, with three more suspects still on the run, according to police reports.
The shooting occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday near 28th Street and Ninth Avenue in Paterson. The trooper was in his patrol car and on duty near the home of New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell. According to various reports, he has not been identified publicly; however, his injuries are not life-threatening, and his condition is stable.
Shortly after the attack, congressman Pascrell tweeted, “Late last night, a cop was shot on my street feet from our door. My wife is OK. Right now, I’m rushing from Washington to check on my wife and neighbors. If gun violence can happen on the street of a member of Congress, it can happen anywhere.”
According to reports, as of Thursday afternoon, law enforcement officials and K-9s were searching through wooded areas near the shooting site and across Paterson, looking for three suspects.
In a statement released shortly after the shooting, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement that said the trooper is doing well and is surrounded by his family and fellow troopers.
“New Jersey State Troopers go to work every day not knowing what that day will bring. Such was the case early this morning in Paterson when a Trooper was shot and wounded in the leg. We will ensure that all those responsible for this violent and heinous act are caught and brought to justice.”
Authorities ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Paterson Police Department at 973-321-1111. This is a developing story; continue to follow NJ Urban News for developments...