Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose announced the arrest of a 13-year-old Newark male today for receiving a stolen auto.
The suspect is also being investigated for his possible involvement in a series of carjacking’s.
Polic said at approximately 4:00 a.m., detectives patrolling near South Orange Avenue and South 18th Street observed a white Ford Edge with temporary tags.
The Edge matched the description of a stolen vehicle that was used in a robbery in Maplewood.
The Special Enforcement Bureau supervisor activated his vehicle’s siren and overhead lights and attempted to stop the Edge to investigate.
The teenager, trying to escape, reversed the SUV and crashed into a fence disabling it. The juvenile ran but was apprehended after a short foot-chase.
Three keys fobs belonging to other automobiles were found on the juvenile that matched those of vehicles that were either carjacked or the keys taken during an attempted carjacking.
The investigation is continuing with the detectives investigating the 13-year-old’s possible link to incidents in Maplewood and in Orange.
The 13-year old is charged with three counts of Receiving Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief, Eluding, and Resisting Arrest.
Police said, after the paperwork was completed, the department was instructed by the courts to release the teenager to the custody of a relative.
Director Ambrose stated, 13-year-olds should be asleep in preparation for school at 4 a.m. and not roaming our streets committing crimes.
We are contacting the Newark Board of Education and the Department of Children and Families in an effort to see what more can be done to help ensure our kids avoid criminal activities and engage in activities that ensure they have prosperous futures.
The officers did an excellent job of apprehending the suspect without anyone getting injured.
Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose is urging anyone with information about this investigation or any other crime to immediately call the Department's 24-hour toll-free Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.