Police investigating gun crimes in New Jersey shot and critically wounded a man they say jumped in a cab to avoid being interviewed and then later struggled with officers when they tracked him down, prosecutors say.
Essex County prosecutors say the suspect was shot at about 10 p.m. Thursday after the escape attempt and alleged struggle with police in Newark. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Ibn Coates of Newark, was taken to University Medical Center in critical condition.
Prosecutors say Coates jumped in a taxi when officers tried to interview him at South Ninth Street and South Orange Avenue. The officers used a patrol car to pull the taxi over and Coates then bolted from the vehicle.
Officers chased him down on South Sixth Street, prosecutors say. The suspect allegedly struggled with an officer and was shot.
The officer was taken to the hospital for observation after the shooting and was later released.
Newark Police Director Eugene Veneable said the case was turned over to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office but didn't have any further comment.
No charges have been filed.
