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Newark Mayor: Cop Shot In Leg Responding To Armed Robbery Call

NEWARK (CBSNewYork) - A police officer was shot in the leg in Newark on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

The shooting took place while police were responding to an armed robbery call around 3 p.m. at 301 Clinton Ave., said Mayor Ras Baraka.

"Everybody started moving and running and I'm not going to stand there, I'm not bulletproof," one witness told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman.

Newark Mayor: Cop Shot In Leg Responding To Armed Robbery Call

Civilians helped apprehend the suspect, authorities said. He was also shot and was hospitalized at University Hospital in Newark while in police custody. He was expected to be charged.

Good Samaritans also rendered aid to the injured officer, authorities said.

"There was a struggle that ensued in and around the establishment with the civilians and the guy," Baraka told reporters. "The officers also got involved. A shot went off and hit one of the officers in the leg."

The cop -- a 19-year veteran of the department -- was rushed to the hospital. His injury is not life-threatening, Baraka said.

"First and foremost we are relieved that there has not been any loss of life," Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said in a news release. "We expect the officer and the suspect to recover. While the investigation is ongoing, one thing is clear, police officers put their lives on the line everyday for the people who live and work in this city."

Footage from the scene showed a massive police presence and investigators examining a gun inside a white box.

The investigation is ongoing.

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