Newark shooting: 2 dead, including 7-year-old; suspect killed by police

NEWARK - Newark Mayor Ras Baraka made a passionate plea to his community on Thursday after two people were shot and killed Wednesday night, including a 7-year-old boy, by a gunman who was later killed by police, a source said.

Police responded Wednesday night to a 911 call they received from someone at 363 Johnson Ave. 

According to authorities, a man walked into a home and opened fire, shooting and killing a little boy inside, along with a man.

When police arrived on the scene, they encountered the gunman. Police said he dropped one gun, ran about a block, and pulled out a second gun. That’s when police shot and killed him, according to the source.

Another man was also shot and wounded at the scene. A woman jumped out of a second-story window to escape the shooting. She injured her foot or leg in the process.

Police say they believe the shooter did not go into the house to murder anyone, and he and the victims involved knew each other. Drugs and three weapons were found inside the home. 

‘It’s tragic'

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka statement.

In a statement, Mayor Ras Baraka said, "It's tragic. This is the reason why we have to come together to deal with issues of mental health, drug abuse, anger, conflict, and all kinds of other issues that we see in ur communities in general."

As is standard practice with police-involved shootings in New Jersey, the attorney general is now investigating. 

Two people were shot and killed, including a 7-year-old boy, by a gunman who was later killed by police, a source said.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims or gunman.