Irvington, New Jersey police officer wounded in shootout
An Irvington, New Jersey, police officer was hospitalized following a shootout on Wednesday.
Officers responded to a call about a man with a gun at the Gallery Holiday Motel at 50 Ball St., and were met with gunfire when they arrived, police said.
One officer was shot in the back and was later transported to Rutgers University Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Two other officers were taken to the hospital for observation.
Two suspects were taken into custody.
Witnesses describe what happened
Law enforcement sources said someone was being held inside the motel against their will.
Witness Kevin Ony, who was outside as it all unfolded, said, "That's what I heard. Someone was being held hostage, and I heard someone was shooting at the cops."
He said family members of the person allegedly being held also rushed to the motel. That person was not injured, sources said.
Nearby resident Barbara Johnson said she had not noticed any problems at the motel.
"This a good neighborhood. We don't have no problems. We have good days and bad days," Johnson said.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation, which is ongoing.