Investigators searched an apartment building in Newark where they believed the suspect in the shooting of two Newark police officers was hiding, only to find the man was nowhere to be found.
Police have identified the wanted man as Kendall Howard, 30, of East Orange.
He opened fire at officers at Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue in Newark around 2 p.m., police said. They are trying to apprehend the suspect in another shooting, CBS2’s Kevin Rincon reports.
The wounded officer is recovering at the University Hospital.
Police were called to an apartment building after a resident spotted a man in connection with last week’s shooting. Police searched the building, found no suspects, and began to leave. That’s when they found him in the parking lot and a shootout started.
For hours, police from around the world, including the FBI and ATF, locked residents in their homes.
“It was horrible. At first, I thought it was firecrackers, but then, because there were so many, I realized what it was,” witness Rosalind Reeves said.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said a resident called police after spotting a suspect listed on a wanted flyer. Minutes later, police combed the apartment building. If they were to leave, that’s when they found the suspect in the parking lot.
“The gentleman drew his gun and shot two police officers at close range. The gun was returned, the fire was returned. The gentleman retreated into the building,” Baraka said.
That’s what caused the massive repercussions. Police on the ground, even on the roof, were staring at the gunman.
The police were rushed to the hospital.
“One was shot in the face in the shoulder. He’s in the hospital, undergoing surgery. He’s in stable condition. They kept him overnight. Another officer was shot in the leg. He’s also in the hospital and is in stable condition,” Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Flagg said.
The suspect then ran back inside the house, but after nearly eight hours of searching, police returned empty-handed.
“The perpetrator is not in the building. There is now a valid warrant for the perpetrator,” Fragé said.
“This remains an active investigation. We are seeking the cooperation and participation of the public to help identify and locate Mr. Howard. But thanks to our federal partners and our state, county and local partners, I believe all necessary Resources are being deployed,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.
At the same time, many who have witnessed neighborhoods turned into crime scenes are disturbed.
“After that, how can they expect people and their children to be safe here? He’s still at large?” one man asked. “If all of them can’t do it, then the others probably will.”
Victoria Emeghara-Owoo, a resident of the building, said: “I’ve been standing here since 3.15pm and I’m pissed and sorry that something like this has happened in this community.”