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UPDATE: Newark West Ward Stabbing Suspect Apprehended

Newark

An early Thursday evening stabbing that occurred in Newark's West Ward had Newark Police take a man in custody.

According to a statement released by Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, **Jayaka J. Francis, 24, of Newark,** was arrested for a stabbing and drug possession this morning.

**CLICK ORIGINAL STORY:** https://www.rlsmedia.com/article/police-investigate-stabbing-incident-downtown-newark

Director Ambrose said, shortly after 5 p.m., officers of the Community Focus Division on walking patrol responded to a call of a stabbing on 18th Avenue in the city’s West Ward.

A 23-year old male victim was stabbed while Francis, the alleged suspect, was chasing the victim Director Ambrose said.

Police immediately detained Francis.

The victim was transported to University Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released according to Director Ambrose.

"At the time arrest, Francis was in possession of a knife and 16 plastic baggies containing suspected CDS marijuana", Director Ambrose said.

Francis is charged with Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession of CDS.

These charges are merely accusations.

The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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