NJ Authorities: Off-Duty Trooper Opened Fire On Teens Who Say They Knocked On Wrong Door

SPARTA, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An off-duty New Jersey state trooper fired three shots at a car with three young men inside who had knocked on his door by mistake early Sunday, authorities said.

According to state Attorney General's John Hoffman's office, the trooper suspected the three were trying to enter his Sparta residence.

Two 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old fled after getting into a verbal exchange with the trooper, police said. They got in their car and drove away, and the cop fired when the car did not stop, authorities said. He had identified himself as a state trooper, the attorney general's office said. No one was injured.

Authorities say the unidentified officer used his personal weapon. No criminal charges have been filed against the trooper, and the shooting remains under investigation.

Two of the teens were taken into custody by local police. A third fled but was later located by cops. They all gave statements to poice and were not charged with any crimes.

One of the three men, Jesse Barkhorn, said they knocked on the door between 1:30 and 2 a.m. by mistake while looking for the house of a friend who lives next door.

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