Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose reports an attempted suicide-by-cop involving a 13-year-old boy armed with a fake, but realistic-looking, B.B. gun that occurred Friday night.
Police say approximately 5:47 p.m., officers responded to a home in the 100 block of Treacy Avenue on a call of an attempted suicide.
Upon arrival, family members advised them that the boy had a fake gun in his waist with intentions on pointing it toward them in an attempt to commit suicide by cop according to police.
Emergency Service Unit officers were called to the location and were able to convince the juvenile to voluntarily surrender the weapon without incident.
The juvenile was then transported to University Hospital where he is being evaluated.
“Suicide by cop is an attempt to provoke a deadly response from police officers,” said Director Ambrose. “This is the desired outcome in such situations, with the collaborative efforts of the juvenile’s family and the police, it ended without incident.”
Director Ambrose and 5TH Precinct Commander Captain M. Macphee both commended Sgt. J. Formisano, Police Officers and Fayiah and Bailey as well as the juvenile’s family who worked together to bring this incident to a happy resolve.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about and criminal or suspicious activities 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.