Man injured in Lowell Place struggle; gunshots heard?

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Police Department is investigating a Sept. 22 incident in which a township man suffered minor injuries after being seemingly targeted by a person just after 10 p.m. on Lowell Place.

According to a press release, the unidentified resident told police that a “struggle” ensued after a man approached him from behind. He suffered cuts and bruises to his hands and was treated at the scene, but declined further medical attention.

West Orange Public Information Officer Susan Anderson did not elaborate on the nature of the struggle, though the township did say in a press release that it seemed the victim had been targeted. Further information will be made available when it will no longer impinge on the active police investigation.

Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunshots in the area, though Anderson told the West Orange Chronicle that no one was actually shot. She did not comment on how the gunshots related to the struggle, citing the ongoing investigation.

The public information officer also did not specify how the officers came into contact with the victim upon responding to the gunshot reports.

Anderson said that police believe the victim was targeted based on information they have learned during the course of their investigation, though she did not go into detail. Robbery is not believed to be a motive in this case.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the victim is cooperating with police.

Additionally, the WOPD is looking for a dark-colored Nissan Altima that witnesses say may be connected to the incident.

Anyone with information on this matter should call the WOPD at 973-325-4000.

Anderson said details will be released as they become available.

Update: This story was updated to reflect that Anderson did not provide additional information due to the nature of the active investigation being conducted by the West Orange Police Department.

  West Orange Police Department