By: Richard L. Smith
An incident involving the Mayor's Office of Violence Prevention during the arrest of two suspects sparked a city-wide police response for assistance in Newark's South Ward.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé, police responded to reports of shots fired at the intersection of Chadwick Avenue and West Bigelow Street at approximately 11:59 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25.
Director Frage said in a statement that responding officers detained two adult males and recovered a firearm.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
However, the role of The Honorable Mayor Ras Baraka's Office of Violence Prevention in the incident has come under scrutiny after a confrontation with Newark Police caught on camera and posted on social media.
Video footage shows a scuffle between police and a suspect, during which members from the Office of Violence Prevention were ordered to step back and not obstruct the arrest.
A woman, purportedly from the Mayor's Office of Violence Prevention, was heard shouting at the officers, claiming the suspect was 'from' their office.
"No, what are y'all doing… he's working with us," the woman shouted.
This has raised questions about the office's role at police scenes, especially as some Newark residents have voiced concerns about the aggressive behavior of these officials, whom they refer to as "soldiers."
Shortly after the arrests were made, a male member of the office continued to argue with officers at the scene.
The interaction led to an urgent call for additional police assistance, with officers seen on video demanding that members of the Mayor's Office of Violence Prevention not impede the arrest.
The incident is still under investigation, highlighting the tensions and operational challenges faced when multiple city agencies interact during active police responses.