An Irvington police detective who happened upon an armed robbery at a township bodega this afternoon shot and killed the suspect after the man shot the officer in the arm, authorities said.
The incident began shortly after 5 p.m., when Detective Roman Melenka, an internal affairs investigator just three months from retirement, walked into P&P Tobacco and Grocery at the corner of Union and Nye avenues and discovered a robbery in progress, Police Chief Michael Chase said.
The robber fired at Melenka, who was in plainclothes but wearing a badge, hitting the officer in the upper left arm, Chase said. Melenka then fired once at the suspect with his department-issued service revolver, wrestled him to the ground, took his weapon and handcuffed him, Chase said.
Melenka was transported to University Hospital by Paramedics in Newark. His condition was not immediately known, but Chase said the injuries were not life-threatening. The suspect, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chase said a third person fled the store immediately after the shoot-out and is being considered a suspect.
The shooting took place at this shop at the corner of Union and Nye avenues.
Melenka, who is in his 25th year of service with the Irvington police department is being described as a "hero" by the chief.
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