Suspect killed, officer wounded in shooting on Garden State Parkway
WOODBRIDGE, New Jersey (WABC) -- An officer was wounded and a suspect was killed when gunfire erupted in Woodbridge, New Jersey Thursday night.
Officials say the shooting happened near Exit 131 on the Garden State Parkway about 11:30 p.m.
A Cranford police officer was attempting to pull over a stolen van when the vehicle took off heading southbound before crashing into a guardrail.
After the crash, the driver of the vehicle and two officers exchanged gunfire.
The officer was struck in the arm, authorities said. He was taken to the University Hospital in Newark with injuries that were not life-threatening. He was treated and released.
Officials announced later Friday morning that the suspect was pronounced dead just after midnight.
"We'd like to implore people being pursued by police to just pull over," said New Jersey State PBA President Pat Colligan. "You might be out soon, but when you start shooting at police, I don't think it's going to end well."
A firearm was recovered near the driver.
"These officers confronted a violent criminal and were shot at. One officer was wounded, but thank God he will make a full recovery. Keep the officers, Cranford PD, their families in your prayers," Colligan said.
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