Two officials say the man had wires extending from his clothing, and an explosives squad is on site.
The two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing, said the shooting came shortly after noon today, the anniversary of the attacks against the Charlie Hebdo newspaper.
Minutes before, French President Francois Hollande had paid homage to police officers killed in the line of duty, including three police shot to death last January.
Police said the neighbourhood in northern Paris was locked down after the shooting.