One person has been arrested, acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray said in a release. Watch video
NEWARK -- Two city men were shot and killed by Newark police officers and a teenager was arrested in a Friday morning shooting, according to authorities.
The shooting occurred at about 6:30 a.m. in the 500 block of North 7th Street near the intersection of Abington Avenue, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office confirmed.
Police arrested a 17-year-old city resident after he got out of a vehicle and ran from police, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said during an afternoon press conference. A gun was found on the teenager, police said.
Police were responding to a call of criminal activity in the area, according to Baraka, who said the two men and teenager matched the complaint's description.
The age of the two men who died was unknown.
James Stewart Jr., president of the Newark Fraternal Order of Police, said the officers were attempting to arrest three people suspected of being involved in multiple robberies around the city when the shooting occurred.
"Those guys were not interested in surrendering," Stewart said. "Our officers responded to that threat and Newark is a safer place today because of them."
Stewart said six officers involved in the shooting were being evaluated at University Hospital in Newark. No injuries were reported.
It was unknown if the suspects fired on police, Baraka said.
"We are prayerful and hopeful that what happened was a tragic situation but was lawful," Baraka said. "If we get any information that says otherwise we will act in the confines of the law to do what's necessary to make sure that justice is here in this issue."
City officials and clergy plan to go talk to parents in the neighborhood.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is investigating the shooting. The U.S. Attorney General Office has been notified of the incident.
Newark police taped off roads in the immediate area of the shooting this morning, while residents watched from front porches.
NJ Advance Media reporter Jessica Remo contributed to this report.
Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig. Find NJ.com on Facebook.