By: Richard L. Smith
The Newark Public Safety Department, under the leadership of Director Fritz G. Fragé, is reaching out to the community for help in tracking down a suspect involved in an armed robbery.
The incident took place late Tuesday night, March 5, in the North Ward.
According to reports, the suspect entered a local business located at the intersection of Broadway and Bloomfield Place at approximately 10:46 p.m.
Witnesses describe the man as carrying a shopping bag, which was later revealed to conceal an assault rifle.
Upon approaching the register, the suspect brandished the weapon and declared a robbery.
In a quick-thinking move, the clerk retreated to a backroom, ostensibly to comply with the suspect's demands. Instead of cash, however, the clerk filled the suspect's bag with other bags and returned to face the armed man.
Following the exchange, the suspect fled the scene on foot, heading south on Broadway before making his escape in a dark-colored SUV.
The Newark Public Safety Department has released a description of the suspect in hopes that public cooperation will lead to an arrest.
The man is described as an African American, standing 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 240 pounds.
He was last seen wearing distinctive gear, including a black bubble jacket, a red hooded sweatshirt, a red hat, blue jeans, and red sneakers.
Director Fragé emphasizes the importance of community involvement in solving this crime, stating,
The Newark Public Safety Department is actively pursuing leads and asks anyone with information about the suspect's identity or whereabouts to contact them immediately.
By working together, Newark hopes to bring the perpetrator to justice and prevent future crimes of this nature.