STAFFORD TWP., N.J. – An Immigration and Customs enforcement agent opened fire on a fleeing suspect who struck the agent with their vehicle Monday morning in Manahawkin, New Jersey, according to police.
What we know:
Stafford Township police say the incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. Monday on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive in Manahawkin.
Police say ICE agents were attempting to arrest a suspect who managed to flee the scene in a vehicle. As they fled, the suspect’s vehicle struck an ICE agent.
The agent discharged his firearm at the vehicle, possibly striking it. The suspect managed to continue fleeing and has yet to be located.
Stafford Township Police say there is no reason to believe there is further concern for public safety.
Dig deeper:
ICE posted to X that agents attempted a targeted vehicle stop to arrest a man from Peru who had received a final order of removal from an immigration judge in January. “The driver then weaponized his vehicle and struck an officer, resulting in the officer discharging his weapon,” the post continued. “There is a pattern of vehicle attacks against our officers. Our law enforcement officers are facing a 3,300% increase in vehicle attacks against them.”
Stafford Township Police said in a brief press release that they were not assisting or part of the ICE operation. They say they are also not conducting the investigation.
The FBI is now leading the investigation into the incident. Local police say the suspect had already left the scene by the time they arrived.
Route 72 is back open in both directions and there continues to be no known safety concerns to the public.
The scene was secured by responding officers. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will continue the investigation.
What they’re saying:
“We heard a few gunshots, we heard like two. I thought there was a suspect at first on the floor but it was an ICE agent,” said Samuel Ehresman of Manahawkin.
“It was odd to hear about that, especially with the circumstances with ICE,” said Elizabeth Barbaro of Long Beach Island.
What we don’t know:
The agent sustained unknown injuries. It is also not known if the suspect was injured in the incident.
The governor’s office has not yet issued a statement.
The Source: Information from Stafford Township Police, ICE, and on-scene reporting by Jill Croce, FOX 29.
