Newark Shooting: Two Cops Shot From Rooftop By Suspect With Long Gun

Two police officers in New Jersey were reportedly injured after a shootout with an armed suspect on Tuesday.

While speaking with The New York Times, New Jersey state Assemblyman Ralph Caputo confirmed that one Newark Police officer was shot in the neck. According to the Times, Caputo also confirmed that a second officer was shot in the leg. The shooter is believed to have fired a long gun from a rooftop in the area, Caputo said.

"We don't know what the end result is going to be....It's traumatic. In this day and age you never know when something like this is going to happen," Caputo told The New York Times.

Local media reporters posted photos and videos on Twitter showing a large police presence near Van Velsor Place in Newark, New Jersey.

"#Breaking 2 Newark police officers shot. Suspect on roof of building. SWAT on scene. At Van Velsor Place," Linda Schmidt of WNYW news in New York wrote in a tweet.

In a subsequent tweet, Schmidt said that agents from the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the U.S. Marshals service arrived on scene shortly after the incident was reported. According to Schmidt, the suspect is believed to be armed with a long gun.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy confirmed on Twitter that he is aware of the reported incident. "I am in touch with local authorities and the State is providing resources as requested. We will continue to support local law enforcement and ensure that all residents are safe," the governor said on Twitter.

Tim McNicholas of WCBS-TV in New York said on Twitter that at least one Newark police officer was shot in the incident. "The shooter is still at large. Very active investigation underway," McNicholas said.

The Newark Police Department has yet to release any information on the incident. The current condition of the two officers is unclear, and it is also unknown if police have any information on a suspect. 

Newsweek reached out to the Newark Police Department for comment.

Katie Corrado of PIX11 news in New York shared a video near the scene of the incident. "This is as close as we can get to the scene in Newark at Goldsmith & Bergen. Reports of an active shooter. Police source told me it's unclear if the shooter is even in the building anymore. Entire area is locked down. Reports of 2 officers shot," the tweet said.

U.S. Representative Donald Payne Jr. also responded to the incident on Twitter.

"I am praying for the courageous officers shot in the line of duty today, defending our city," he said. "I am continuing to monitor the situation in Newark and encourage all to stay vigilant until the assailant is caught."