By: Richard L. Smith
Newark authorities are investigating a possible abduction following a police pursuit that ended in the arrest of a man driving a U-Haul truck.
According to a statement released by Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, officers responded to a call reporting a potential abduction around 3:15 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024.
The incident occurred in the 100 block of S. 9th Street. Upon arrival, police encountered a U-Haul truck occupied by a Black male driver and a female passenger.
When officers attempted to approach the vehicle, the driver refused to comply with orders to exit. Instead, he accelerated, colliding with a police vehicle and two parked cars before speeding away.
Authorities later found the abandoned U-Haul near the intersection of 7th Street and Dickerson Street.
The suspect was subsequently located and apprehended in the 300 block of W. Market Street.
During the arrest, two officers sustained injuries.
The suspect now faces multiple charges, including receiving stolen property (the U-Haul), resisting arrest, eluding police, aggravated assault on officers, and criminal mischief for damaging vehicles during the pursuit.
Both the suspect and the injured officers were transported to University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The female passenger who was initially seen in the U-Haul has not yet been found.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue efforts to locate the missing woman and piece together the details surrounding the incident.