Harrison police officer struck during traffic stop by fleeing car

HARRISON, New Jersey (WABC) -- A Harrison police officer was struck during a traffic stop by a vehicle that fled the scene early Tuesday.

The incident happened after the officer made a motor vehicle stop around 4:20 a.m. in the area of Jersey and South 7th streets.

The vehicle initially stopped, and as the officer initiated contact, the driver sped off, striking and injuring the officer as he fled and prompting the officer to fired his service weapon at the vehicle as it drove away.

"I was asleep, and then I got awakened by three really big shots," Stefany Scalabrini said.

The shots echoed throughout the quiet Harrison community, jolting neighbors from their sleep.

"It sounded like it was right in the room, so I jumped," Eileen Gilgallon said. "I'm on the third floor, so I looked out the window. I just saw one police car there, and he was kind of hiding behind the car."

The injured officer was taken to St. Michael's Medical Center in Newark, where he was treated for minor injuries and released. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office is now investigating, and so far, no arrests have been made. In the meantime, people who live nearby say their thoughts and prayers remain with the injured officer.

Anyone with video or information that could help the investigation is asked to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345.