By: Richard L. Smith

An off-duty Newark Police officer found himself in an unexpected confrontation early Sunday morning after discovering a man allegedly attempting to steal a tire from his personal vehicle.

According to a statement released by the Newark Police Department, the incident occurred around 4:14 a.m. on June 1.

Police say the officer spotted the suspect in the act and confronted him, leading to a physical altercation between the two.

While the struggle took place, a marked Newark Police patrol unit was flagged down by the off-duty officer.

Responding officers quickly intervened and took the suspect into custody without further incident.

During the response, one of the on-duty officers sustained a hand injury and was transported to University Hospital for medical treatmen

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