Police Chase Ends in Gunfire as New Jersey State Troopers Shoot and Wound Suspect in Orange
ORANGE, NEW JERSEY — A police pursuit turned violent Sunday afternoon when New Jersey State Police troopers opened fire on a suspect, striking and wounding the individual after a high-speed chase that ended near Interstate 280 Exit 11 westbound.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting occurred shortly after 2 p.m., following a pursuit involving a gray Acura, which was later seen riddled with bullet holes at the scene.
Chaos Erupts Near I-280 as Shots Ring Out
According to witnesses, the chase ended with tires screeching, a collision, and a rapid burst of gunfire. One bystander’s cellphone video captured troopers with guns drawn, shouting commands before shots erupted.
“I was picking up a delivery and then I came through here and I just heard a bunch of sirens, tires squealing… then there was a slight collision, and I just heard gunshots — rapid amounts of gunshots,” said witness Zach McDowell.
The suspect, whose identity and condition remain unknown, reportedly exited the vehicle before being struck by trooper gunfire.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Frightening Scene
Nearby drivers described the chaotic moments that unfolded in broad daylight. A man driving a black Mercedes told Eyewitness News he was caught in the crossfire “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
The driver reportedly had children in his car, who were later taken to a hospital as a precaution.
“My kids heard the sounds,” said McDowell. “My son asked, ‘Daddy, what’s that sound?’ I told him, ‘Don’t worry about it. We’ll get out of here.’”
Investigation Underway by State Attorney General’s Office
Authorities have not released details on why the suspect was being pursued or whether there were additional suspects involved. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is now leading the investigation — standard protocol for police-involved shootings in the state.
No troopers or bystanders were reported injured in the exchange.
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