Gunman killed, officer hurt in shootout in Hamilton Township, NJ, officials say

A police officer was injured while a gunman was killed during a shootout in Mercer County, New Jersey, on March 8, officials said.

Officers were called to the 1800 block of Orchard Avenue in Hamilton Township around 10 p.m. for a domestic incident, according to a Mercer County Prosecutor's Office spokesperson.

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Police said a suspect armed with a rifle opened fire upon the officers as they responded to the call, shooting one of them multiple times. The officers fired back, shooting and killing the gunman, investigators said.

Exactly one week later, Hamilton's Chief of Police Kenneth R. DeBroskey announced in a statement that the officer who was shot is home from the hospital.

OFFICER SHOT RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL- The Hamilton Police Division Officer wounded one week ago has been released from the hospital. Hamilton Police, Hamilton Police PBA 66, and Officer's family would thank everyone who offered prayers and support.

Miracles do come true! pic.twitter.com/eEnr881dux

— New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) March 16, 2024

Investigators have not yet revealed the identities of the injured officer or deceased gunman.

"It was loud. We didn't think it was gunshots, we thought it was a car backfiring," one neighbor said. "It's a little crazy because I know them."

The Attorney General's Office of New Jersey is currently handling the investigation.

"A 2019 law, P.L. 2019, c. 1, requires the Attorney General’s Office to conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody," a spokesperson wrote. "It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved."

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.