UPDATE (3:45 p.m.) from Thomas S. Fennelly, Essex County’s chief assistant prosecutor:
“There was an encounter between an individual in a residence and Montclair police officers. The individual fired a weapon striking one of the officers. It appears that an officer returned fire striking the individual. Both the officer and individual were transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the incident. It is still early in the investigation and no further information is available at this time.“
Fennelly said the incident took place in the 100 block of Forest Street. He wouldn’t confirm the nature of the incident, saying information was preliminary. Montclair Police instructed area schools to shelter in place.
“We were instructed by Montclair Police to shelter-in-place because of a shooting near Forest Street,” Nina De Rosa, assistant to Montclair Schools superintendent, told Montclair Local. “We sheltered-in-place at both high school buildings, Renaissance, Watchung, and Woodman Field House. We have since received the all clear.”
De Rosa said the schools had lifted the shelter-in-place and would be dismissing as usual.
At 2:10 p.m., Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds emailed parents. He stated that police instructed Montclair schools in the area to shelter in place. In his email, Ponds said police were investigating an incident involving shots fired.
“We want to inform you that all students and staff are safe and proceeding with a regular day,” Ponds wrote in his email.
In addition to Montclair Public School buildings in the area, the Montclair Cooperative School students and staff also sheltered in place.
I always see comments on here about politics, how bad the town council is or even how bad the fire chief was! But nothing for the officer who was injured! Shame on the residents!!! You take for granted the wonderful services that the township and employees provide! I wish for a speedy recovery for the officer!
Ouch! Because you are 100% right to call us out and remind us to show more appreciation of the daily risk in their service to us. I also wish for the officer’s full recovery.