Police in Newark are reporting that NPD1, the Newark Police helicopter, was instrumental in the apprehension of Mr. Joshua Clark, 20, of Newark, arrested today for weapon possession.
“I’m grateful that our police helicopter offers the visual assistance needed to locate suspects who pose a public safety threat,” Director Ambrose said. “This driver not only put the lives of pedestrians in jeopardy but because he had an illegal weapon, another act of violence may have been averted by NPD1.”
At approximately 10:18 p.m., last night, NPD1 observed a driver of a black Dodge Durango driving erratically in the area of Bergen Street and Shepherd Avenue. 5th Precinct officers were alerted and observed the driver, Joshua Clark, speeding, disregarding red lights and traveling on the wrong side of the street at Shepherd Avenue.
Clark ignored police commands to pull over and sideswiped a tow truck before colliding with a fire hydrant and a tree at South 17th Street and Avon Avenue. He and a male passenger then exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
With the assistance of NPD1, officers were directed to Clark’s location at South 18th Street and Springfield Avenue.
He was arrested and found in possession of a plastic bag of marijuana and eight Alprazolam pills. Police also recovered a firearm and ammunition from inside the vehicle he was driving.
Clark faces charges of unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of CDS, eluding, resisting arrest and certain persons prohibited from weapon possession.
These charges are merely accusations. This suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.