Police officials in Newark are reporting that members of the Newark Police Division recovered six firearms last week, resulting in three arrests and bringing the total of illegal guns seized by police to over 400.
“With the addition of these six recovered handguns, our officers have removed 401 illegal weapons from our streets so far this year,” Director Ambrose said. “And with the assistance of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we have recovered a total of 555 illegal handguns this year. I commend our officers and law enforcement partners for their commitment to keeping our residents safe.”
The suspects arrested as part of last week’s gun recoveries include Gerald Gilyard, 43, of Irvington, Adrianna McAllister, 30, and James L. Westbrook 22, both of Newark.
In response to citizen complaints about narcotics sales in the area of Frelinghuysen Avenue and Carrington Street, investigating officers observed Gilyard conducting narcotics transactions. He was arrested and found in possession of a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen out of Ocean County.
Gilyard is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon While Committing a CDS Offense, Receiving Stolen Property and Certain Persons Prohibited from Weapon Possession. He also faces charges of CDS Distribution (heroin and cocaine), CDS Distribution within 500-feet of a Public Housing Complex, Possession of CDS and Conspiracy.
Also, in response to citizen complaints about narcotics being sold in the area of Park Avenue and North 9th Street, investigating officers observed McAllister conduct narcotics transactions from a vehicle on November 8. She was arrested and a handgun was found inside the car. McAllister faces charges of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Possession of Prohibited Weapons (hollow point rounds), Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs, CDS Possession (heroin and cocaine), CDS Distribution, CDS Distribution Within 1,000-ft. of a School, and Obstructing the Administration of the Law and Resisting Arrest.
Police arrested Westbrook on November 13 on charges of Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Certain Persons Prohibited from Weapon Possession in connection with a September 18, 2019 shooting in the 800 block of South Orange Avenue.
Officers responded to a Shot Spotter notification involving gunfire from a vehicle targeting another vehicle. Detectives investigating this incident determined that Westbrook is a suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested without incident by members of the Newark Police Division’s Fugitive Apprehension Section and was found in possession of a handgun that had been reported stolen out of Florence, SC.
“I’m grateful that our officers recovered these handguns before they caused injury or worse,” Director Ambrose said. “Getting these guns off the street is an important crime reduction strategy. Every illegal firearm removed from our streets means fewer crimes involving gun violence.”
The 401 guns recovered by Newark Police this year have resulted in 269 arrests.
These charges are merely accusations. Each suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.