By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Newark request the public’s help with identifying the suspects, who were involved in two armed robberies on December 15.
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé said police responded to the first robbery, which occurred at approximately 5 a.m. in the 500 block of South 18th Street.
The victim was walking southbound on South 18th Street when five to six male suspects approached him from behind and began punching him, officials say.
Officials said as he tried to defend himself, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and took his cell phone, book bag, and wallet.
All of the suspects then fled westbound on 16th Avenue in a blue Hyundai Elantra reported stolen out of Irvington, authorities say.
According to officials, suspect 1, described as a Black male, is approximately 5’6” inches tall and 140 pounds; he brandished the weapon and was wearing all-black clothing and a ski mask.
Suspect 2, described as a heavy-set Hispanic male, is approximately 5 feet tall and wearing all-black clothing and a ski mask, officials stated.
Officials said suspect 3, described as a Hispanic male, is approximately 6 feet tall and about 140 pounds, and he was wearing all-black clothing with a ski mask.
Suspect 4, officials say, is described as a Black male, approximately 5’6” inches tall and about 172 pounds, and he was wearing all-black clothing and drove the Hyundai.
Nearly two hours later, at approximately 6:40 a.m., the same suspects robbed another victim while he was walking eastbound on Second Avenue near the 200 block of Highland Avenue, officials stated.
Authorities say they exited the Hyundai, and one of them brandished a gun while the others rifled through the victim’s pockets, taking his backpack containing $200, cell phone, and identification.
The suspects entered the vehicle and fled northbound on Highland Avenue, according to officials.
Director Fragé urges anyone with information about the suspects to call the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).