Police officials in Newark reports the arrests of two city residents, a 16-year-old juvenile, arrested previously on April 10 for the same offense, and 22-year-old Antonio Potts, in separate incidents, for possession of loaded handguns.
Police say in response to quality of life complaints and drug sales, detectives assigned to the Criminal Intelligence Unit have been undertaking ongoing citywide operations aimed at removing guns and drugs from our city streets.
According to police, on June 4, at 1:45 p.m., detectives in the area of Clinton Place and Weequahic Avenue learned that suspect Potts was in possession of a loaded handgun.
Police say after a brief struggle, he was arrested and a defaced, loaded .9 millimeter handgun was seized. Potts was charged with the unlawful possession of a handgun, resisting arrest, and obstruction.
Less than an hour later, at 2:30 p.m., police say the Criminal Intelligence detectives were in the 100 block of Milford Avenue when they observed a juvenile pull his hand from his pocket revealing a handgun.
They quickly subdued the juvenile and arrested him for possession of a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun. This is the second time in less than two months that this juvenile has been arrested in possession of a loaded handgun.
These charges are merely accusations.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Director Ambrose is urging anyone with information about crime in the city to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.