A suspect was shot by police in New Jersey after he allegedly stabbed an officer responding to a disturbance at a facility housing seniors and people with disabilities, officials said.  

Two officers were responding to Monroe Street in Passaic for a report of a 26-year-old man threatening others in the lobby of the building Monday night, according to officials.

The suspect, who reportedly has bipolar disorder, suddenly lunged at one of the officers with a knife, stabbing him in the shoulder, authorities said. The other officer then shot the suspect, police said. 

Mayor Alex Blanco told reporters: "Our cops came in, they start asking questions to the residents outside in the hallway. All of a sudden, the perpetrator came in with a knife and stabbed one of our police officers.

"Our police officers had no other alternative than to defend themselves and shoot the perpetrator," the  mayor added. 

Both the suspect and the stabbed officer were taken to the hospital. The officer is in stable condition. The suspect is listed in critical condition, and authorities say he has had previous run-ins with police.