Newark Police arrested Christian Crowell, 22, and Kenneth Johnson, 23, (photographed in white shirt) both of Bloomfield, on Thursday, September 22, 2016 for two separate gun robberies.
According to police, at around 7:35 p.m., officers responded to Roseville and 3rd avenues on reports of an armed robbery in progress.
A 45-year old male victim was robbed of his wallet and other personal items police said.
Officers responded to a second robbery call at approximately 7:47 p.m. in the area of Roseville and 4th avenues.
Police said a 29-year old male was robbed of his cell phone by two suspects fitting the description of those in the previous robbery.
In both incidents, the suspects fled in a gray 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
After an extensive search regarding the Sonata’s whereabouts, the suspects were located in the area of Sussex Avenue and North 6th Street, where officers recovered a loaded .38 caliber handgun observed in the suspect vehicle.
Crowell is charged with Robbery, Conspiracy, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Possession of Prohibited Weapons and Devices.
Johnson is charged with Robbery, Conspiracy, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Possession of Prohibited Weapons and Devices and Certain Persons Prohibited from Weapons Possession.
These charges are merely accusations.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose commended the arresting officers’ relentless efforts, which led to their promptly locating and apprehending the two suspects.
“Their quick actions likely prevented the two suspects from continuing to victimize other residents" Ambrose said.