Skip to main content

East Orange Man Arrested after Assault on Newark Priest

Newark

An East Orange man was taken into custody after he allegedly attacked a priest in Newark Sunday morning.

The incident unfolded early Sunday morning when cops were called to the 500 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard on reports of an assault in progress at that location.

Multiple police units arrived to the St. Benedict's School where they were met by a priest who reported to authorities that a male suspect physically assaulted him minutes before they arrived to the scene.

Officers who were searching the area were flagged down by other priests and parishioners who followed the suspect - later identified as Shawn I. Swinton, 33, of East Orange - after the attack to the intersection of Broad and Market streets where he was arrested.

He was charged with simple assault and is also being held on a warrant with no bail.

According to sources, the priest - who is reportedly to be the leader of St. Benedict's School - was treated and released from University Hospital after he was treated for minor injuries.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or had any information is asked to contact police by calling (877) NWK-TIPS or (877) NWK-GUNS.

1,000