A Veteran Jersey City police officer shot an armed suspect during a chase near the city’s west side, officials stated Tuesday night.
What We Know:
- A Jersey City shooting occurred on Tuesday, around 7:50 p.m., at Martin Luther King, DR., between Union Street and Oak Street, as officers were monitoring parts of the city due to a recent violent spike. Officers state they saw an individual approach a vehicle and take a handgun.
- Public Safety Director James Shea stated the JCPD Police proceeded toward the man and as he ran, a chase started. An eight-year veteran officer fired three different shots at the suspect.
- The 21-year-old suspect, who is now identified as Korron Benthall, received a shot once in the wrist and was removed for medical attention, along with the officer.
- The officer was not shot, but when asked if the suspect was a part of an investigation related to the electronic surveillance they were doing at the time, Shea mentioned it was not an accident that the suspect was in the area. He also mentioned when the investigation is concluded, surveillance videos will be released during a press conference.
- Although police officers did not state what triggered the officer in firing his weapon, they did mention a loaded, black, semi-automatic handgun was recuperated from the scene.
- The Mayor of Jersey City, Steven Fulop, stated during the press conference that any time officers have encountered or arrested an individual armed with an illegal handgun, their lives are in danger.
- Mayor Fulop also mentioned at the press conference that he was glad there were no deaths and the officer and victim did not lose their life during the incident. Fulop made a statement on his Facebook account stating he is hoping for better days.
Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said it is currently investigating the incident; all force used by officers is also being investigated independently.
