NEWARK —The owner of a Newark deli was shot to death Sunday afternoon during an attempted robbery, officials said today.

Joseph Flagg, 41, was inside his store at 282 Chancellor Ave., when he was killed just before 1 p.m., the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

Flagg, of Union Township, was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with information to call the tips line at (877) 847-7432.

MORE NEWARK NEWS

FOLLOW THE STAR-LEDGER: TWITTER • FACEBOOK • GOOGLE+