Police in Newark reported the arrest of Mr. Tashan K. Bethea, 39, of Plainfield, in connection with three armed robberies in Newark, all occurring within 15 minutes of each other on Sunday, August 7.
Police said at approximately 12:45 a.m., Bethea and a second suspect robbed the first victim at gunpoint in the 400 block of Springfield Avenue.
According to police, the second victim was robbed at gunpoint at 12:51 a.m. in the 300 block of Springfield Avenue. A third victim was robbed at gunpoint at 1 a.m. by the same suspects in the 300 block of Littleton Avenue.
Officers canvassing the area for the suspects located Bethea and he was immediately arrested.
Police said he faces three counts, each of robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a firearm for an illegal purpose, aggravated assault, and conspiracy. The second suspect continues to be sought by police.
Newark Police said officers also arrested Deshawn Craddock, 25, of Newark, in connection with an armed robbery, and Andre Thompson, 32, also of Newark, in connection with a carjacking.
At approximately 10:45 p.m., on Friday, August 5, 2022, a man was robbed at gunpoint while inside the mini-mart of the Exxon Gas Station, located at 1400 McCarter Highway, by a suspect who entered with two other males.
Police said the suspect fled in a white 2012 BMW 750I that had been reported stolen.
Detectives investigating this incident identified DaeShawn Craddock as a suspect and he was arrested the following day in the 200 block of Lyons Avenue.
He faces charges of robbery, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy.
According to police, at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, a driver in the area of Broad Street and Vanderpool Street was approached by a male who walked up to his driver’s side window.
Police said the victim rolled down his window and was assaulted by the suspect. The victim fled his vehicle for safety but was further attacked by other males.
According to police, the victim returned to where he had left his vehicle and it had been stolen. He later received text messages from a suspect demanding cash for the return of his vehicle.
Police observed the carjacked vehicle at Gillette Place, near Broad Street, and immediately arrested the driver, Thompson. He is charged with carjacking and theft by extortion.