Undercover drug operation in Sayreville ends in police-involved shooting

SAYREVILLE NJ (WABC) -- The New Jersey Attorney General's Shooting Response Team is investigating a police-involved shooting in New Jersey in which an officer opened fire on a drug suspect.

The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. outside a Rite Aid pharmacy on Washington Road in Sayreville.

Authorities say a Narcotics Task Force was planning an undercover purchase of heroin outside the pharmacy when 38-year-old Isaiah Roberts, of Parlin, noticed the undercover officers approaching him and attempted to flee the scene in his vehicle.

While trying to leave, Roberts allegedly hit an unmarked police car and an undercover detective. An officer from the Perth Amboy Police Department, working for the Prosecutor's Office, opened fire at him.

Police say Roberts was not hit by the bullet and continued to flee the lot, striking three more unmarked vehicles before being hit by a police vehicle.

He was arrested without any more incidents, and officers allegedly found 10 "bricks" of heroin in his possession.

The officer who struck Roberts car was treated for minor injuries and released from Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick.

Roberts is charged with second-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree eluding police and third degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (his vehicle).

Charges are being filed for narcotics by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

Roberts bail was set at $500,000, and was placed in the Middlesex County Jail.

The incident remains under investigation.