By: Richard L. Smith
An early morning police pursuit of suspects wanted in connection with a felony shooting in Newark culminated in a crash and arrests at Clifton Commons on Route 3.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé, the incident began around 5:31 a.m. when police officers patrolling the area of McCarter Highway and 3rd Avenue spotted the vehicle.
The car was occupied by three male suspects, and when officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver ignored the order, leading to a high-speed chase.
The pursuit wound through Newark’s North Ward and into Belleville, continuing north on McCarter Highway.
Director Frage said it came to an end at Clifton Commons after the suspects’ vehicle crashed through a fence near the mall.
All three suspects attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended by the pursuing officers.
One officer involved in the incident reported experiencing pain and was transported to University Hospital for evaluation.
The investigation into the shooting and the suspects’ involvement remains ongoing.