A New Jersey man was shot and killed after an argument early Sunday morning, police said.

The shooting happened near Columbia Avenue in Cliffside Park.

Police have yet to release a description of the suspect involved in the shooting or the victim's identity.

A man who identified himself as the victim's cousin told NBC 4 New York the man's name was Hector Zabalas, a 33-year-old married father of two who worked in construction and lived in the area.

Neighbors said that Zabalas was shot outside a bar during a fight. But his cousin, who asked not to be identified, said the victim was not a violent person and that he never was in trouble.

Witnesses reportedly saw a man leave the scene in a dark colored vehicle with a female driver.

Investigators were canvassing the area Sunday afternoon and interviewing the victim's friends and family members, along with witnesses who may have seen the confrontation or have information on the suspect's whereabouts, police said.

The shooting is Cliffside Park's first homicide since January 2011.

"I thought it was fireworks," said Pete Woodcock, a longtime resident of Cliffside Park who heard the shooting. "You don't hear gunshots around here. "

Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.