Shaahid Forshee, 36, of East Orange, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon.
Authorities say the series of events began after 3 p.m. at the Krauszer's Convenience Store on South Valley Road in West Orange, where they say the officer observed an altercation between two men.
One of the men, Forshee, was allegedly armed with a handgun.
MORE NEWS | Vandals target 1960s R-32 Brightliner subway trains on farewell NYC tour
Vandals target 1960s subway trains on farewell NYC tour
The officer -- who was unarmed -- intervened, and during a struggle, police say Forshee struck the officer with the gun and fired the weapon.
The bullet grazed the officer's head, causing non-life-threatening injuries.
The officer was taken to University Hospital, where he was in stable condition.
The person with whom Forshee was arguing fled the scene.
Forshee also fled and was later arrested in Newark.
ALSO READ | 85-year-old woman dragged out of elevator in Bronx purse snatching
85-year-old woman dragged out of elevator in purse snatching
The investigation, which is being handled by the Essex County Prosecutor's Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, is active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-800-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a News Tip