Montclair police officer, suspect shot exchanging gunfire in New Jersey

An investigation is underway after a police officer was shot and injured in Montclair on Monday afternoon.

The shooting happened in the 100 block of Forest Street before around 1:15 p.m.

Authorities say it unfolded when there was an encounter between a woman in a residence and Montclair police officers.

That woman fired a weapon, striking one of the officers, who then darted away from the home.

"They just went in and I heard screaming: 'gun,' next thing I heard was boom, boom, boom," witness Sean Ruff said.

The exchange of gunfire could be heard on a neighbor's security video.

Authorities say officers returned fire, hitting the woman, who neighbors say lives on the second floor.

Neighbors were shocked to learn of the gunfight with police.

"She came out with a shotgun, saying this is her (expletive) territory, this is her (expletive) territory," witness Marilyn Sprague said.

Neighbors say the young mother of two small children moved into the house less than six months ago.

They say her children were there to witness it all. The woman's daughter, a young child, was put in a police car. Her son was crying hysterically.

"We always say it's never going to happen where you're at," Sprague said. "Now it has, unfortunately, in this peaceful, quiet town."

The suspected shooter's Jeep, with California plates, was towed away from the home after she was taken into custody.

Both the officer and the suspect were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. They are expected to make full recoveries.

It's not clear what led to the shooting. Police are investigating.

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