An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent is recovering after being struck by a van in Stafford Township, New Jersey, police said.
The incident occurred Monday at 9:30 a.m. along Route 72 near Mermaid Drive in Stafford Township’s Manahawkin community.
Police said an ICE agent was trying to capture a suspect when the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, described by law enforcement sources as a van. The agent was struck by the vehicle, pulled out his weapon and opened fire. Sources said bullets struck the van and possibly blew out the vehicle’s back window.
Officials have not released the condition of the officer but sources said he is expected to be OK. Meanwhile, officials continue to search for the van and the driver. They have not yet released descriptions or revealed if the driver was injured. They also have not revealed why the suspect was being pursued in the first place.
Route 72 is currently closed in both directions between Barnacle Drive and Breakers Drive as the investigation continues. Alternate routes for drivers are available through Stafford Township’s Ocean Acres section, police said.
A Stafford Township Police spokesperson said they are not investigating the shooting since it was part of an ICE operation. Instead, police are managing traffic and securing the crime scene.
The Ocean County Prosecutors Office began a preliminary investigation but the FBI has since taken over the probe.
A spokesperson for the FBI said she could not provide any information.
