2 victims ID'd in Newark police-involved shooting during apparent chase

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Investigators in New Jersey have released the names of the victims of a deadly police shooting.

Najier Salaam and George Richards-Meyers, both 18 years old, were shot and killed after a chase in Newark Friday morning.

A third suspect was taken into custody.

The six Newark police officers involved have been placed on administrative duty.

The shots were fired in the area of North Seventh Street and Abington Avenue just after 6:30 a.m.

Authorities say three suspects who appeared to be behind a string of early-morning robberies were fleeing from police. They had allegedly been jumping out of a minivan and robbing people on the street.

Sources said a female victim who had been robbed and pistol whipped on her way to work helped lead law enforcement to a red minivan allegedly driven by a team of young men trolling for innocent people to attack.

Off-duty Newark police officers started following their vehicle, and they were then joined by uniformed Newark officers.

The pursuit was followed by a foot chase, with as many as 30 gunshots ringing out at some point. Two of the suspects were killed, while the third was chased down on foot.

"One 17-year-old jumped out of the van," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said. "The police apprehended him and recovered a weapon on the scene."

Baraka confirmed the two other young men died after being shot, but he declined to identify them or provide any details about the shooting. He also would not discuss the undercover and uniformed officers involved in the incident.

Six officers were taken to the hospital after the shooting, and all were released by the afternoon. James Stewart, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police, said the suspects were not interested in surrendering.

"Those guys were not interested in going peacefully," he said. "Our guys took the action they needed to take, and Newark is a little bit safer today because of them."

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Professional Standards Bureau at 862-520-3700.