An Essex County Prosecutor's Office spokesman said the plainclothes officer approached the suspect to make a drug buy and a struggle ensued. The officer fired his weapon once, hitting the suspect in the side.
He was handcuffed and taken to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead an hour later. His name was not released pending notification of family.
The officer, a 17-year veteran who was not identified, was treated for minor injuries.
Prosecutor's spokesman Paul Loriquet said about $4,000 worth of heroin was found on the suspect.
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