Cop shoots suspect during alleged car-theft attempt

JERSEY CITY — A police-involved shooting is under investigation, according to a spokesperson for the Hudson County Prosecutor.
A Jersey City police officer, attempting to apprehend a man allegedly stealing a motor vehicle, was dragged when the suspect allegedly tried to drive away, injuring the officer at about 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 28.
Two Jersey City plain-clothes officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle at the intersection of Ocean and Virginia avenues, according to a statement issued by the Prosecutor’s Office.
“During the stop and encounter, one of the officers discharged his service weapon striking the [alleged] driver of the [alleged] stolen vehicle, who was the sole occupant,” the release said. “The driver, who is described as a male in his mid-thirties, was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center, where he was treated for gunshot wounds to his upper body and is listed in critical, but stable condition.”
Both officers were transported to the hospital and released, though only one of the officers sustained a physical injury. The shooting is being investigated by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, which is standard protocol for police-involved shootings.
In a statement, the Jersey City Mayor’s Office said, “As the use of deadly force is the most serious action an officer takes on our behalf, Mayor Fulop has consistently supported an impartial investigation by a completely different entity and a presentation of the facts to a grand jury in all such cases. As always, we will cooperate fully with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.”