By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Newark are reporting the arrest of Mr. Kevin Swinton, 27, of Newark, in connection with a kidnapping and robbery that occurred on March 16.
According to a statement released by Newark Police a man returning to his apartment in the 400 block of Clinton Place was approached by a male suspect who demanded cash from him at gunpoint while threatening to kill him.
Police say the victim gave the suspect $20.00, but the suspect demanded more money. The victim returned to his apartment with the suspect holding the knife to his back.
The suspect then demanded cash from a victim's family member, who had no cash.
According to police, The suspect took the first victim to an ATM on Lyons Avenue where he withdrew $350.00 from his bank account due to the suspect’s demands.
Detectives investigating this incident identified Swinton as a suspect and were granted a warrant for his arrest. Swinton was arrested while already in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility.
For this incident, police say he faces charges of kidnapping, robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and terroristic threats.
These charges are merely accusations.
The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.