Police in Newark arrested a 54-year-old city resident, Mr. Thomas O. Rufus, for allegedly lying to police after reporting that he was robbed at gunpoint.
Authorities say Rufus told police that he was the victim of a gunpoint robber by two males who took $120.00 while he worked at the Exxon Gas Station.
According to police, Newark Robbery Squad Detective Wilmorys Velazquez initiated an investigation and carefully scrutinized the evidence which made him suspicious of Rufus’ story.
Acting on his suspicion, Detective Wilmorys Velazquez developed the evidence necessary to determine that Rufus lied about the robbery police officials said.
Police arrested Rufus then charged him with falsifying a police report.
“The detective in charge of this investigation went the extra mile and gathered evidence to arrest Rufus for falsifying a police report. I commend Detective Velaquez for a job well done,” said Director Ambrose.
“The department will not condone such actions which become a waste of time and resources that could be used elsewhere', Director Ambrose added.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about any crime in the city 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.