Police in Newark are reporting the arrest of Mr. Al-Taariq Crenshaw, 21, and Mr. Samory Wilson, 18, both of Irvington, and Mr. Tyree Dwyer, 21, and Mr. Dashaun Merritt, 21, both of Newark, for weapon possession and drug-related offenses resulting in the recovery of three high-capacity loaded handguns in two separate incidents yesterday, resulting in 25 illegal handgun recoveries so far this year.
According to a statement released by police, at approximately 1 p.m., police patrolling the 200-block of Stuyvesant Avenue observed a drug transaction being conducted from a black 204 Nissan Altima.
Police say, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop at Stuyvesant Avenue and Valley Street and the car was reported stolen out of East Orange.
The driver, Al-Taariq Crenshaw, provided officers with a fictitious name and was unable to produce a valid driver’s license.
Police say Crenshaw was also found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber defaced handgun.
The backseat passenger, Tyree Dwyer, was found in possession of a loaded 9MM handgun and 23 vials of cocaine. The front seat passenger, a male juvenile, was released to his guardian according to police.
Police charged Al-Taariq Crenshaw with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (defaced firearm), Receiving Stolen Property (auto) and Hindering the Administration of the Law.
Authorities charged Tyree Dryer with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (extended magazine), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, CDS Possession and Distribution of CDS.
According to police, in a separate incident, at approximately 9:35 p.m., officers observed an idling vehicle blocking a driveway in the 300-block of South 15th Street and conducted a motor vehicle stop.
Officers observed a silver handgun in the rear pocket of the vehicle. The loaded .380 caliber handgun had been reported stolen out of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Police say, Dashaun Merrit, the driver, was found in possession of CDS marijuana, drug paraphernalia and $1,710.10 in suspected proceeds from drug sales.
Police charged Merrit with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, CDS Possession, Distribution of CDS, Distributing CDS within 1,000-ft. of a School, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Receiving Stolen Property.
The passenger, Samory Wilson, is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Receiving Stolen Property according to police.
“We are vigorously working to remove illegal handguns from our streets and have recovered 25 so far this year,” Director Ambrose said. “These loaded, high-capacity handguns serve no other purpose but to foster violence in our neighborhoods. The commitment of our officers to confiscate these weapons, along with drugs, is invaluable to the safety of our residents.”
These charges are merely accusations.
Each suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information any criminal or suspicious activity 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.