Off-duty officer shoots autistic man, caretaker in N.J.

Camden County authorities say an off-duty Camden police officer shot an autistic man and his caretaker during what the officer thought was a home break-in attempt.

The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office says the shooting happened just before 4 p.m. Friday after the 21-year-old autistic man was dropped off at his home in Camden.

But instead of going to his house, prosecutors say he went to a home of the off-duty officer across the street and started banging on the door.

His caretaker tried to stop him.

Officials say the officer believed there was a break-in attempt and he fired through an opening in the door, hitting both men.

Authorities say the caretaker is believed to have life-threatening injuries.

Police have not released the names of any of the men involved.