Man suspected of stealing luxury sailboat in Jersey City shot and killed in Rhode Island
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- A man accused of stealing a luxury sailboat in Jersey City was shot and killed by police in Rhode Island on Wednesday.
The shooting happened in Newport near Storer Park and the Elm Street Pier around 9 a.m.
The boat was reported stolen on Aug. 22nd around 11 p.m. from the Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City.
Officials say it was one of the most admired boats in the marina.
The suspect was captured on surveillance video, prompting a search for the suspected thief and alerts were sent up and down the East Coast to the Coast Guard.
Police say the suspect disabled the boat's transponder when he reached the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and authorities lost track of the boat.
They found it Wednesday morning in Newport and that is where the violent encounter took place with police.
Authorities say when they approached the boat, the suspect fled below deck and ignored commands from officers. Police say he armed himself with a firearm and shots were fired.
The suspect was killed and one officer was also shot during the exchange of gunfire.
The officer was taken to the hospital and is said to be stable.
The suspect's identity has not yet been released.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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