Harrison, New Jersey Police Officer Hit By Vehicle During Traffic Stop
HARRISON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A Harrison police officer was rushed to the hospital after being hit by a vehicle during a traffic stop Tuesday morning.
It happened just before 4:30 a.m. in the area of Jersey and South 7th streets.
The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office says the vehicle initially stopped, but when the officer approached the driver, the driver sped off, striking the officer.
Authorities said the officer discharged his service weapon during the incident. Nearby residents described hearing shots.
"I heard shots, 'pop, pop, pop,'" said resident Dorothy Agosto. "The wall in the bathroom vibrated and I bent down. I didn't want to get shot."
Another resident, named Miki, told CBS2's Meg Baker she and her kids were startled awake by the gunshots. She looked out the window and saw the officer standing in the middle of the intersection. Then, a police car zoomed by.
"It's a very safe neighborhood. This kind of thing has never happened before. So yes, a little scared," she said.
The officer was taken to St. Michael's Center Newark, where he was treated for minor injuries and released.
"He's doing good. As of right now, the report I got this morning was bumps, scratches and his ankle is bothering him, but he's doing well. So, thank god," Councilman Larry Bennet said.
The councilman added it's not often you hear about bad things happening in this area.
"This neighborhood is a very quiet neighborhood. It's like family, everybody watches out for each other," he said.
So far, no arrests have been made.
"I hope they found who these people were and hopefully this town starts becoming safe again," said resident Imene Vasquez.
Police have yet to release information on the make or model of the vehicle they're searching for.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor's official website.
