By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Newark are conducting an active search for suspects involved in a violent stabbing that occurred early Saturday morning in a residential neighborhood.
Public Safety Director Fragé is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a male suspect connected to the assault.
According to a statement released from Director Fragé, the incident took place around 5 a.m. in the 700 block of South 12th Street.
The victim, who was walking with a male and a female companion, was approached by a group of three men and three women.
The group reportedly made inappropriate advances toward the victim’s female companion, which escalated into a physical altercation.
During the confrontation, the male suspects removed their belts and began swinging them at the victim and his male companion.
One of the attackers brandished a black box cutter and stabbed the victim before the group fled the scene, heading north on South 12th Street toward Springfield Avenue.
The victim lost consciousness and was found bleeding heavily. He was rushed to University Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition.
A second male involved in the altercation also sustained a minor cut.
Detectives are now searching for the suspect responsible for the stabbing, who has been described as a Hispanic male wearing a black ski mask, black sweater, and black and red shoes.
Director Fragé urges anyone with information about the suspect’s identity to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).
