Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announces that police have arrested Hakeem O. Gayle, 22, of Maplewood for crashing his vehicle through the door of a Newark business while driving drunk on Saturday, October 22, 2016.
Police said at approximately 9:40 p.m., officers responded to a business at 98 Elm Road on a call of a motor vehicle crash. Gayle had driven his vehicle, a silver 2009 Chevrolet Impala, through the doorway of the business at the location.
When the 59-year old male business owner used his cell phone to photograph the scene, Gayle took the cell phone from him and fled on foot. Concerned citizens apprehended Gayle and held him for police.
No injuries were reported.
Gayle’s vehicle had been involved in a crash at South Street and McCarter Highway at approximately 9:33 p.m.
That incident involved two other vehicles and was reported by victims as a hit and run as Gayle’s vehicle fled the scene before police arrived.
Gayle was arrested at 98 Elm Road without incident.
He was found to be in possession of suspected CDS marijuana.
He is charged with Theft, Driving While Intoxicated, Possession of CDS, Criminal Mischief and Contempt. His passenger, Juan S. Fonrose, 20, of East Orange, was also arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and Contempt.
These charges are merely accusations.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.