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Exclusive video shows moments after 2 Newark police officers shot, dramatic rescue

Kendall Howard pleads not guilty in Newark police shooting 00:28

NEWARK, N.J. - Two police officers were shot Tuesday in Newark. 

Both officers are expected to be OK.

Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kendall Howard, of East Orange.

He was taken into custody late Wednesday morning. 

See live updates below for the latest. 

 

Suspect Kendall Howard pleads not guilty

Kendall Howard pleads not guilty in Newark police shooting 00:28

Kendall Howard, the suspect accused of shooting two Newark police officers, pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted murder Thursday during a virtual appearance in court.

He was arrested Wednesday.

Investigators say the 30-year-old opened fire on police Tuesday, injuring two officers.

It happened near an apartment at Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue.

One officer is still recovering in the hospital. The other was released Wednesday.

A detention hearing for Howard is set for Nov. 9.

By CBS New York Team
 

Suspect due in court

Suspect in Newark police shooting due in court 01:50

The man accused of opening fire on two Newark police officers is due in court on Thursday.

Police arrested Kendall Howard of East Orange on Wednesday morning inside the same apartment building where the officers were shot a day earlier, CBS2's Zinnia Maldonado reported.

Howard, 30, is now facing attempted murder and weapon charges for allegedly shooting the two cops and is set to appear virtually before a judge at Veteran's Courthouse in the afternoon.

Howard allegedly fired at two officers trying to question him about a previous shooting incident. He then took off from the apartment complex near Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue.

He was arrested after a lengthy manhunt and was seen being placed into the back of a police cruiser.

"I thought he got away. And then to find out he was in the building, I was like, where was he?" Carly Collings, who lives near the crime scene, told CBS2.

Police did not confirm where exactly they found Howard, but a source told CBSw he was located in the basement of the apartment building where the shooting occurred.

His arrest came as a relief to fellow officers and neighbors, who said they had seen Howard in the building before.

"He used to be in the hallway, on the stairs, smoking his weed and blasting his speaker. But he would say nothing back to nobody. For it to be is scary, knots in your stomach, like there's a person who does something like this in your apartment," neighbor Asia Smith said.

The officer that was shot in the neck is in stable condition at University Hospital. Jabril Paul, the officer that was shot in the leg, was released on Wednesday night in a wheelchair, smiling and surrounded by loved ones.

"Happy, happy to be alive," Paul said.

"We appreciate you, the work you did here today, and the rest of your life, and so many of you. God bless you. Praying we take care of, better care of you from this point on," Mayor Ras Baraka said.

Both officers are expected to make a full recovery.

By Zinnia Maldonado
 

Newark Police say investigation into shooting of 2 officers is far from over

Newark Police say investigation into shooting of 2 officers isn't over 02:10

Newark police may have caught their suspect in the shooting of two police officers, but they say their investigation is far from over.

There were flashing lights and flash lights near Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue as detectives searched for evidence near an apartment building more than 24 hours after a gunman wounded two officers in the area.

"I feel a lot safer," said Esther Prudent, who lives near the crime scene.

People living nearby say they're relieved the suspect, Kendall Howard, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with attempted murder.

"It's a little nervous, though, seeing all the taping, but you're saying it's just for investigation, I guess? Yeah," Prudent told CBS2's Tim McNicholas.

"They gotta do their due diligence and all that still," said Carly Collings, who lives near the crime scene.

Investigators are also taking a close look at witness video, including clips that show officers trying to rush their wounded colleagues to safety.

One of the officers is still in the hospital in stable condition. The other left the hospital Wednesday afternoon in a wheelchair, smiling and surrounded by loved ones.

"He is deeply bred Newark resident who decided to become a police officer -- he has brothers on the police department, too -- who's made the decision to do this very risky and dangerous job," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.

Police surrounded a building for seven hours Tuesday and searched for Howard after detectives say he shot two officers. They didn't find him, but sources tell CBS2 detectives found Howard in the basement of that same building Wednesday.

"I thought, you know, he got away, and then to find out he was in the building, I was like, oh, where was he?" Collings said.

Investigators wouldn't say where Howard was Tuesday night or what led them back there Wednesday.

"We have him in custody and we are speaking with him now so hopefully we'll have that information very shortly," Essex County Prosecutor Ted Stephens said.

The mayor of Newark also praised a good Samaritan in the neighborhood who helped one of those patrolmen try to stop the bleeding on his neck.

Both officers are expected to make a full recovery. 

By Tim McNicholas
 

Newark police officer heads home from hospital 1 day after being shot

Newark police officer heading home from hospital day after being shot 02:05

One of the Newark police officers who was shot Tuesday was released from University Hospital to cheers and applause Wednesday afternoon.

As CBS2's Dave Carlin reports, about 200 officers were outside the hospital for the rousing and emotional reception.

"We appreciate the work that you did. You're a hero today. You risked your life for so many of us. God bless you, Godspeed to you, and I pray that we take care of better care of you from tomorrow there on," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.

"Happy, happy to be alive," the officer said as he left.

Watch: Officer injured in Newark shooting released from hospital  

Officer injured in Newark shooting released from hospital 05:26

"He is deeply bred Newark resident who decided to become a police officer -- he has brothers on the police department, too -- who's made the decision to do this very risky and dangerous job, and he's only been on the force for less than two years and this is what happens to him immediately. So, you know, talking about trial by fire," Baraka said. "You know, I'm just so glad that he walked out of here alive."

The other injured officer remains hospitalized.

By Dave Carlin
 

Neighbors disturbed suspect was found in same building as shooting a day later

Suspect accused of shooting 2 Newark police officers arrested 03:21

After a nearly 24-hour manhunt, police arrested the man they say opened fire on Newark police, hitting two officers. 

The suspect was taken into custody late Wednesday morning. 

One of the men he's accused of shooting was released from the hospital.

Investigators say the shooting happened near the intersection of Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue. 

The suspect now faces several charges, including attempted murder. 

As CBS2's Christina Fan reports, SWAT officers in tactical gear surrounded the same Newark apartment complex twice in 24 hours. This time, they finally succeeded in arresting 30-year-old Kendall Howard, taking him away in the back of a police cruiser to the relief of fellow cops and neighbors. 

"It was really disconcerting to see the police cars and you realize it's outside your home," said neighbor Tia Gist. 

The citywide manhunt for Howard began around 1 p.m. Tuesday after he allegedly fired at two officers trying to question him for a previous shooting incident. For hours, officers searched the apartment building near Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue where they believe the suspect retreated.

He somehow escaped detection and residents were allowed to return home, which is why they were shocked.

"I came back this morning I thought it as all clear, but they came back, tackling the stairs looking for this guy and they finally got him," said neighbor Asia Smith. 

Newark police shooting suspect arrested after manhunt 02:43

Officials refused to elaborate on what led them back to the same apartment complex Wednesday morning, where Howard was arrested in the basement until around 11 a.m.

Investigators were asked if he had been hiding there the whole time or left and then returned.

"We are in the midst of this long and a very arduous investigation, so we are not able to determine fully what's happened. We have him in custody and we are speaking with him now so hopefully we'll have that information very shortly," Essex County Prosecutor Ted Stephens said.

"I'm happy they got him. He shot two cops yesterday. For them not to find him yesterday after he shot two cops and he's still in the same building, that's scary," Smith said.

"Who wants to know that you've got this person who has shot at people, right, and you don't know what their mindset is and they're locked in this building so to speak," Gist said.

Families uneasy about how Howard evaded capture the first time were even more disturbed by the fact they recognized him as someone in the building that they exchanged greetings with every day.

"He used to be in the hallway, on the stairs, smoking his weed and blasting his speaker. But he would say nothing back to nobody. For it to be him is scary, knots in your stomach, like, there's a person who does something like this in your apartment," Smith said. 

The two officers shot had a year and a half on the job, and fortunately will be OK. 

Howard is now facing two counts of attempted murder among other charges. 

By Christina Fan
 

See It: Injured officer leaves hospital

Officer injured in Newark shooting released from hospital 00:29

See the emotional moment one of the injured officers left the hospital Wednesday in the video above. 

By CBS New York Team
 

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Moments after 2 Newark police officers shot, dramatic rescue

Video shows Newark police officers trying to rescue wounded colleagues 02:11

Shocking new video obtained by CBS2 shows Newark police officers scrambling to rescue their wounded colleagues as gunshots echoed through the neighborhood on Tuesday.

As CBS2's Tim McNicholas reported, the video came from witnesses in Newark.

A stunned witness took out his phone out and started recording when he spotted a wounded police officer. The footage shows officers scrambling to help in the alleyway and parking lot of an apartment building.

As police try to aid the officer who was shot in the leg, the person filming says, "He's shooting!"

More gunshots followed.

WEB EXTRA: Exclusive video shows frantic moments after shooting, rescue effort

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Moments after 2 Newark police officers shot, dramatic rescue 03:23

In that chaotic moment, an officer is seen lifting a patrolman to his feet. They briefly fall to the ground as they try to hurry to safety and away from the suspect, identified by police as Kendall Howard.

"The gentleman pulled a gun out, shot two police officers at close range. Gunshot was returned, fire was returned. The gentleman retreated back into the building," Mayor Ras Baraka said Tuesday night.

Another witness video shows the officer who was shot in the neck wounded on the ground. As Newark police rush to his side in this parking lot, they face another challenge. Police hear the shots and immediately start scanning the area to try to locate the shooter.

Then, one officers runs off, apparently to search for the suspect, and asks the other officer to stay with the wounded cop.

"Stay with him!" the officer screams.

"It was horrible. I heard it. I mean, at first I thought it was firecrackers, but then, because it was so many, I knew what it was," witness Rosalind Reeves said.

Later, Newark cops are seen lifting that officer up and help him out of the parking lot.

Both wounded officers were rushed to University Hospital. They are expected to make a full recovery.

Wednesday afternoon, officials credited a good Samaritan for helping to save an officer's life.

"The woman who got out of her car and tried to stop the bleeding of an officer and helped drag him safety in the middle of what might have been a gunfight," Baraka said.

As for that video, investigators are combing through it as they build their case against the suspect.

By Tim McNicholas
 

Officials announce charges against suspect in shooting of Newark cops

During a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said Kendall Howard, the suspect in the shooting of two Newark police officers on Tuesday, is facing several charges, including two counts of attempted murder.

Howard, 30, of East Orange, was taken into custody at around 11:10 a.m. by law enforcement following a long manhunt.

Officials announce charges against suspect in shooting of 2 Newark cops 18:39

Stephens was joined by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage, and many others. He said the two officers who were wounded are still in stable condition, but are each expected to make a full recovery. One is expected to be released from the hospital later Wednesday.

Frage said both have just 1 1/2 years on the force. He thanked the many officers who responded to the scene and singled out a local resident who helped pull one of the wounded cops to safety.

"This is the true collaboration and the support that we have from the community," Frage said. "That's what we have been trying to mend the past several years, to help build the trust between law enforcement and communities that we serve. That's right. These are communities that we serve."

By CBS New York Team
 

Gov. Murphy thanks law enforcement for "swift action"

Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted about the suspect being in custody, writing, "I commend our local law enforcement on their swift action to control the situation & protect their community during another horrific act of gun violence."

By CBS New York Team
 

Manhunt comes to a close

Nearly 24 hours later, the manhunt has finally come to an end for the suspect wanted for shooting two Newark police officers. 

Police said they surrounded 30-year-old Kendall Howard late Wednesday morning and took him into custody.

Suspect in custody in Newark police shooting 02:27

For hours Tuesday afternoon, law enforcement, including the FBI and ATF, kept residents locked down in their homes. 

"It was horrible. At first, I thought it was firecrackers," witness Rosalind Reeves told CBS2. 

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said the suspect pulled out a gun and shot two officers at close range. They were rushed to University Medical Hospital, where they are in stable condition. 

"One was shot through the face into his shoulder. He was in the hospital, had surgery. He's in stable condition," said Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage. "The other officer was shot in the leg."

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy released a tweet overnight, saying, "I am grateful to those who are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrator of this heinous crime is apprehended and brought to justice." 

The Essex County prosecutor's office has already drafted charges against Howard, including two counts of attempted murder and weapons charges.

By Elijah Westbrook
 

Suspect taken into custody

Suspect Kendall Howard was taken into custody Wednesday morning. 

Police had been searching for Howard, 30, saying he opened fire Tuesday, wounding two police officers. 

Responding officers swarmed the scene and searched for Howard, without success. Authorities told people in the area to stay indoors while they conducted the search. 

Nearly 24 hours later, he was taken into custody near the scene of the shooting at Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue. 

Chopper 2 Flying

Chopper 2 is over the scene as authorities continue searching for the suspect in the shooting of two Newark police officers. More on CBSN New York: http://cbsloc.al/cbsnnewyork

Posted by CBS New York on Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Chopper 2 was over the scene as the arrest was made. 

By CBS New York Team
 

Police release images of suspect

Police want your help finding Kendall Howard, 30. They say he's the man who shot two police officers who were trying to serve a warrant. 

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 1-877-NWK-TIPS. 

By CBS New York Team
 

Manhunt enters second day

Search for suspect in Newark shootout 02:51

The desperate search continues for the suspect in the shooting of two Newark police officers. 

Investigators say the gunman opened fire Tuesday as the officers tried to make an arrest. 

The officers are now recovering in stable condition at University Hospital. 

Meanwhile, the gunman's whereabouts remain the big question.

Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous. 

By Elijah Westbrook
 

Law enforcement continues search for 30-year-old Kendall Howard of East Orange

Investigators searched a Newark apartment building where they thought the suspect in the shooting of two Newark police officers was hiding, only to discover that the man was nowhere to be found.

Police have identified the wanted man as 30-year-old Kendall Howard of East Orange.

Police say he opened fire on the officers at around 2 p.m. in Newark at Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue. They were trying to arrest the suspect for a different shooting, CBS2's Kevin Rincon reported.

The wounded officers are recovering at University Hospital.

Police so far have come up empty in search for gunman who shot 2 Newark officers 03:53

Cops were called to an apartment building after a resident identified a man linked to a shooting from last week. Officers searched through the building, didn't find the suspect, and started to leave. That's when they found him in the parking lot, and got into a shootout.

For hours, police from far and wide, including the FBI and ATF, kept residents locked down in their homes.

"It was horrible. At first, I thought it was firecrackers, but then, because it was so many, then I realized what it was," witness Rosalind Reeves said.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said a resident called police after identifying a shooting suspect seen on a wanted flyer. Minutes later, officers were combing through the apartment building. As they were leaving, that's when they found the suspect in the parking lot.

"The gentleman pulled a gun out, shot two police officers at close range. Gun shot was returned, fire was returned. The gentleman retreated back into the building," Baraka said.

That's what triggered the massive response. Officers on the ground, even on rooftops, kept their eyes peeled for the gunman.

The officers were rushed to the hospital.

"One was shot through the face into his shoulder. He was in the hospital, had surgery. He's in stable condition. They're keeping him overnight. The other officer was shot in the leg. He's also in the hospital in stable condition," Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said.

The suspect then ran back inside, but after nearly eight hours of searching, police came up empty handed.

"The perpetrator is not in the building. There is an active warrant right now for the perpetrator that's out right now," Fragé said.

"This remains an active investigation. We are asking for the public's cooperation and participation in helping identify and locate Mr. Howard. But thanks to our federal partners and our state, county, and local partnerships, I'm confident that all necessary resources are being deployed," state Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.

Meanwhile, many who watched their neighborhood turn into a crime scene are upset.

"How do they expect people and their kids to be safe around here after that? And he's on the loose still?" one man asked. "If all of them couldn't do it, somebody else might."

"I've been standing here since 3:15 p.m. I'm angry and it's sad that things like this are happening in this neighborhood," building resident Victoria Emeghara-Owoo said.

By Kevin Rincon
 

New details learned in shooting of Newark cops

The gunman in the shooting of two Newark police officer is still on the run.

The wounded officers are recovering at University Hospital after getting shot at close range on Tuesday afternoon, CBS2's Kevin Rincon reported.

It all started some eight hours ago, when a neighbor called police to report a man who matched the description of a shooting suspect. Minutes later, police responded and showed up to a building.

Search continues for gunman in shooting of 2 Newark officers 02:40

According to Mayor Ras Baraka, the officers went in and came up empty handed, and were about to head out. However, as they were getting set to leave, they spotted the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Kendall Howard of East Orange, in the parking lot.

"The gentleman pulled a gun out, shot two police officers at close range. A gunshot was returned, fire was returned. The gentleman retreated back into the building," Baraka said. "They know that person. They have identified him, so, yes, we are clear on who it is."

"The perpetrator is not in the building. There is an active warrant right now for the perpetrator that's out right now," Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said during a news conference.

Earlier, police believed the shots came from high above, but CBS2 has since learned that was not the case. Rincon was also told the suspect had a rifle. In this case, he was armed with a handgun.

Police from far and wide are in Newark assisting, and they've been largely going door to door inside the apartment building on Van Velsor Place where this all happened to make sure no one else gets hurt.

Rincon reported seeing movement in the 8 p.m., as officers tried to get positioned to ensure they can bring this to a safe end.

By Kevin Rincon
 

Wounded officers may be released from University Hospital on Wednesday

Earlier, police thought the officer who was shot in the leg would be released from University Hospital on Tuesday night.

CBS2's Tim McNicholas has now learned that decision has been delayed a bit. Police are now hoping he'll likely be out sometime Wednesday.

But before officers learned that, they lined up outside the emergency department doors to greet him upon his exit.

Both officers are still in stable condition.

Wounded Newark officers may be released from the hospital on Wednesday 00:54

A detective told McNicholas he's hopeful the other officer, who was grazed on the neck and shot in the shoulder, will also be out Wednesday.

CBS2 has learned both cops are patrol officers.

The University Hospital campus has been surrounded by law enforcement all day. There was so many police near one entrance earlier that hospital police had to direct traffic in the area.

By Tim McNicholas
 

Area residents call shooting "tragic," say it's "the last thing we need"

2 officers shot in Newark - 5 p.m. update 03:39

Police came out to serve a warrant and that's when two officers were shot. 

Once was shot in the neck, the other in the leg. 

Both are in stable condition and are expected to survive. 

The suspect used a long gun in the shooting, firing from the roof or window. 

The suspect has not yet been apprehended. 

"We are scared. Look at it. Everybody's outside. Nobody wants somebody outside like this," one area resident said. 

"We condemn all types violence against humanity," said another. "We condemn all types of violence... Tragic, man. It's unfortunate for Newark as a whole. We've got a lot of good things that the Mayor Ras Baraka is doing throughout the city in trying to provide a lot of resources. This is the last thing we need, another act of violence out here."

By CBS New York Team
 

Newark mayor, police expected to hold briefing

By CBS New York Team
 

Source: Suspect surrounded in residential area

2 police officers shot in Newark - 4 p.m. update 04:47

A law enforcement source says authorities have the suspect surrounded in a residential area, which is on lockdown. 

By CBS New York Team
 

Sen. Bob Menendez says he's monitoring situation

"My team and I are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in Newark and will remain in touch with local and state authorities to provide whatever assistance we can," Sen. Bob Menendez wrote on Twitter. "As we await more information, please listen to guidance from local law enforcement, and join me in keeping our brave first responders in your thoughts." 

By CBS New York Team
 

Large police presence at University Hospital

CBS2's Tim McNicholas says there's a large police presence at University Hospital, where the two officers are being treated. 

Both officers are expected to survive. 

By CBS New York Team
 

Update as of 3:30 p.m.

2 police officers shot in Newark - 3:30 p.m. update 06:49

Here's the latest as we know it from CBS2's Dick Brennan and Natalie Duddridge:

Sources tell us two Newark police officers were shot while trying to serve a warrant. They were shot at by a gunman with a rifle, who was firing from a rooftop or window, sources said. 

One officer was struck in the neck, and the other was hit in the leg. Both are expected to survive.   

The suspect remains at large. 

It all happened in an apartment building at Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue. Police have set up a perimeter that runs for blocks from the scene, which is in the middle of a residential neighborhood. 

Uniformed officers, FBI and a SWAT team are all on the scene. Duddridge reported the officers at the scene appear calm and fairly relaxed as of 3:30 p.m. There's been no reports of a suspect having been apprehended, however. 

People in the area are being urged to remain in their homes and keep their doors locked. 

Authorities are urging people to avoid the area. 

By CBS New York Team
 

Newark PBA responds to shooting

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured officers and all the officers handling the Newark attack. This level of violence must be stopped and condemned by everyone," said NJSPBA President Patrick Colligan. 

By CBS New York Team
 

More details on shooting incident

A law enforcement source tells CBS2 the injuries to the two officers are not considered life threatening. 

A law enforcement source told CBS News the officers were shot while attempting to serve a warrant.  

They were rushed to a nearby hospital. 

The source tells CBS2 the gunman was firing from the roof or window of a building and is still at large. 

By CBS New York Team
 

Sources: 2 officers have been shot in Newark

Sources now tell CBS2 that two officers have been shot in the incident in Newark. 

The FBI is assisting in the investigation. 

By CBS New York Team
 

At least 1 officer shot, authorities say

At least 1 police officer shot in Newark 06:00
By CBS New York Team
 

Gov. Murphy reacts to shooting

"I am aware of and closely monitoring an unfolding situation in Newark," Gov. Phil Murphy said. "I am in touch with local authorities and the state is providing resources as requested. We will continue to support local law enforcement and ensure that all residents are safe." 

By CBS New York Team
 

Chopper 2 over the scene

Chopper 2 Flying

Chopper 2 is checking out a report of a shooting in Newark. See more on CBS News New York: http://cbsloc.al/cbsnnewyork

Posted by CBS New York on Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Chopper 2 is over the scene of a report of a shooting in Newark. 

By CBS New York Team
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