Search continues for man accused of shooting two Newark police officers

NEWARK − Authorities are still searching for a man who allegedly shot two Newark police officers at close range Tuesday afternoon during an altercation outside a city apartment building, Mayor Ras Baraka said at a news conference later that night.

The officers - whom Baraka declined to identify - were investigating a citizen's report that 30-year-old Kendall Howard, wanted for a separate shooting on Oct. 28, was holed up inside a building on Van Velsor Place, the mayor said. Units from the city's 5th Precinct responded to the address at about 1:15 p.m., Baraka said.

The officers could not find Howard inside, according to the mayor. But they allegedly stumbled upon him in the back parking lot as they went to leave the complex, he said. Police spoke to the man briefly, and an altercation ensued. Then Howard allegedly pulled a gun and shot two officers at close range, Baraka said.

The police quickly returned fire as the man retreated inside. On Tuesday night, SWAT units were moving through the building, searching each apartment in pursuit of Howard.

Baraka urged nearby residents to stay in their homes until authorities found the suspect.

The mayor said one officer was shot in the leg while the other was shot near the neck and shoulder, a wound that required surgery. Both are in stable condition and expected to live.

Howard should be considered armed and dangerous, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder plus weapons offenses. He is 6-foot-3-inches tall, weights between 180 and 200 pounds, and has a tattoo on the back of his neck that says "feather," according to the prosecutor's office.

Officers from a number of local, county, state and federal agencies swarmed the area around the apartment building, which was cordoned off for about a half-mile in each direction. Authorities set up a staging area near Goldsmith Avenue, which remained busy late into Tuesday night.

A New Jersey State Police helicopter hovered overhead for much of the afternoon as authorities continued their search.

Public officials reacted to the shooting in statements throughout the day.

Democratic Congressman Donald Payne Jr. said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that he was “aware of and closely monitoring the active shooter situation unfolding in Newark.”

“I encourage everyone to follow the directions of police, stay away from the scene and remain vigilant by going indoors and locking your doors,” Payne said. “I am also praying for the two courageous officers wounded today and am praying for their full recovery.”

Gov. Murphy tweeted Tuesday that he was "aware of and closely monitoring an unfolding situation in Newark."

"I am in touch with local authorities and the State is providing resources as requested," Murphy wrote. "We will continue to support local law enforcement and ensure that all residents are safe."

Elijah Moore was in his bedroom when he heard gunshots ring through his neighborhood. He immediately moved away from the window after hearing what he said were “a lot of shots,” possibly more than a dozen.

“I didn’t know what to do, if they were getting into my building,” said Moore, 33.

This report contains material from the Associated Press.

Check back for more on this developing story.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Newark NJ police officers shot and injured, mayor says