A car that lost control and crashed into a church in Newark had police, firefighters, and EMS at the Community of Chapel Ministries located at 387 Hawthorne Avenue, Sunday afternoon.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, at approximately 3:17 p.m., a stolen Nissan Altima struck the church, occupied by just under a dozen individuals.
Director Ambrose said there were minor injuries to two victims who were transported to Beth Israel Hospital for evaluations then released.
The driver of the car ran from the scene before the arrival of authorities with no description provided.
Director Ambrose said while police are actively searching for the suspect, police seek the public’s assistance in quickly locating and removing him/her from city streets.
The investigation is continuing. Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about this incident 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.