Tips and complaints from residents in a Newark neighborhood had police arrest ** Mr. Toushawnt Dixon, 21, of Newark,** for allegedly possessing a loaded handgun last night.
According to a press release sent to the media by Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, at approximately 10 p.m., members of the Newark Police Division’s Community Focus Unit, responded to North 13th Street and 6th Avenue West following complaints suspicious persons conducting narcotics transactions in the area.
Director Ambrose said his officers observed a male suspect toss a handgun and large plastic bag while running away after becoming aware of police presence in the area.
Police recovered the loaded 9MM handgun, and the plastic bag, which contained 29 bags of CDS marijuana where they took the suspect, Toushawnt Dixon, into custody Director Ambrose said.
Director Ambrose said Dixon possessed an additional plastic bag of CDS marijuana and $89.51 in proceeds from drug distributions.
Police charged Dixon with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, CDS Possession, CDS Distribution, CDS Distribution Within 500-ft. of a Public Housing Complex and Contempt of Court for an outstanding warrant.
These charges lodged against Mr. Dixon are merely accusations.
Mr. Dixon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“I commend the Community Focus Unit for their vigilance and for the positive feedback it has received from community members,” Director Ambrose said. “Thanks to the rapport and relationships these officers are developing with residents, an atmosphere of trust is being established and concerned citizens are increasingly coming forward to report crimes.”
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.