Update: Police Arrest Gunman Accused Of Shooting 2 Newark Cops

This article was updated at 8:40 p.m. on Nov. 2

NEW JERSEY - A gunman accused of shooting two Newark police officers has been identified and is in custody, authorities said Wednesday. Both officers are expected to make a full recovery.

Kendall “Book” Howard, 30, of East Orange, was named as the alleged shooter behind the Tuesday attack that sent two police officers to the hospital, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

Howard has been charged with attempted murder and weapons offenses, prosecutors said.

Authorities previously put out a wanted persons alert for Howard, saying that he was "armed and dangerous." Howard has since been apprehended, authorities said.

Newark authorities first offered details about the shooting during a news conference on Tuesday (watch the video below).

According to Mayor Ras Baraka, a community member called police around 1 p.m., reporting that they saw a man identified as a suspect in a shooting that took place on Oct. 28. Read more: 2 Cops Shot In Newark; Gunman Has Criminal Record, Mayor Says

Police responded to a building near Van Velsor Place and Chancellor Avenue, but didn't find the man inside. However, as they were leaving, the officers saw the man headed towards the building. After a brief altercation in the parking lot area outside, the man fired at close range, hitting one officer in the leg and the other in the upper body. Gunfire was returned, and the man retreated into the building, Baraka said.

Despite earlier news reports that cited State Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, the gunshots were not fired from the rooftop, Baraka added, responding to a reporter's question at Tuesday night's news conference.

The mayor said Tuesday night that police SWAT members went "going from apartment to apartment" in the building in search of the suspected shooter. Most of the building's residents were evacuated.

A spokesperson said Chancellor Avenue School was locked down out of an abundance of caution, but all students and staff were safe, ABC New York reported.

Helicopter footage of the incident showed a large mass of police and vehicles in the area, Fox News reported.

Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé gave an update later Tuesday night, identifying the suspect as Howard. He said that with the help of federal and state law enforcement officers, Newark police surrounded the building, secured it and cleared it – but didn’t find Howard inside.

Each floor needed to be evacuated, Fragé said, adding that “with a building of that size with that many families in there,” police needed to err on the side of caution.

When asked how Howard was able to elude capture considering the scope of the police response, Fragé said there are “many entrances and exit points” out of the building, which has multiple fire escapes.

Authorities are reviewing video surveillance footage from the scene, Fragé said.

“We're asking for the public's cooperation and participation and helping identify and locate Mr. Howard, but thanks to our federal partners, and our state, county and local partnerships, I'm confident that all necessary resources are being deployed,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.

The Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers Program previously offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to Howard's arrest. The U.S. Marshall’s Service added an additional $5,000 reward, for a total of $30,000.

Gov. Phil Murphy posted a message on social media about the situation on Tuesday afternoon. “I am aware of and closely monitoring an unfolding situation in Newark,” he tweeted. “I am in touch with local authorities and the state is providing resources as requested.”

“We will continue to support local law enforcement and ensure that all residents are safe,” the governor added.

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr (D-10), who represents towns including Newark, also tweeted a message about the unfolding situation in Newark. He wrote:

"I am aware of and closely monitoring the situation unfolding in Newark. Encouraging everyone to follow the directions of police, stay away from the scene and remain vigilant by going indoors and locking your doors."

Payne later added that he is praying for the full recovery of the two "courageous officers" wounded in the shooting.

New Jersey State PBA President Patrick Colligan and the National Fraternal Order of Police also acknowledged the shooting with messages on social media.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured officers and all the officers handling the Newark attack," Colligan wrote. "This level of violence must be stopped and condemned by everyone."

“We are grateful that our police officers are recovering from this,” Baraka said. “This kind of arbitrary violence is not only unnecessary, it just leaves ugly stain on our community.”

ARREST ANNOUNCEMENT

Police and prosecutors gave an update on Wednesday, announcing that Howard had been apprehended and is in custody.

Agencies that responded to the scene and assisted with the search included U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service and the Jersey City Police Department.

Attorney General Platkin said both officers are expected to make a full recovery. He added that Gov. Murphy also sends his thoughts to the wounded officers.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said the multi-agency search took more than seven hours. A Newark police emergency response team arrested Howard around 11:10 a.m. at the residence where the shooting took place, he said, but didn't elaborate on that detail.

"This is an ongoing investigation if there ever was one," Stephens said, adding that authorities have obtained an a search warrant and will be looking for additional evidence at the scene.

The wounded officers each have 1.5 years of service under their belts, Public Safety Director Fragé said. One is expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday; the other may have to recover there for a few more days.

Fragé said that with the assistance of a "Good Samaritan," some "heroic" officers helped to get the wounded cops to safety after shots rang out.

"This is the true collaboration and support we have from the community," Fragé said. "That’s what we’ve been trying to mend the past several years."

• See related article: Newark's Response To Cop Shooting Defies The National Narrative, Mayor Says

PUSHING FOR PEACE IN NEWARK

Over the past few months, tragic violence hasn’t been a stranger in Newark – and it has often involved guns.

Recent incidents have included a drive-by shooting that wounded nine people, a mass shooting that injured four teens, and fatal shootings that claimed the lives of several Newark residents and others who live outside its borders, including the owner of a corner grocery store.

The violence has reignited cries for action from many people who live in the Brick City. For months, community groups and activists have been holding marches and rallies, visiting the sites of recent shootings to mourn the victims – and call for change.

• See related article: 'Peace Walk' Against Gun Violence Unites Thousands In Newark
• See related article: Queen Latifah To Host '24 Hours Of Peace' Event In Newark
• See related article: Newark Peace Activists Plan Vigil Near Site Of Fatal Shootings

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.