By: Richard L. Smith
Late Saturday night in Newark's South Ward, a dramatic and violent carjacking incident escalated into a high-speed pursuit, ending in a crash that injured the suspect in the West Ward.
The intense situation began around 9 p.m. near 139 McClellan Street, where a male victim was assaulted and forcibly dragged from his white 2022 BMW M4 by carjackers.
The victim sustained minor injuries during the altercation.
In response, Newark Police issued a lookout alert to neighboring towns and initiated a citywide search.
The chase unfolded when police located the stolen vehicle and attempted to pull over the carjacker, who then sped through various parts of Newark.
The pursuit intensified as the Newark Police Department activated their NPD1 aviation unit to track the speeding car, which was seen weaving through parts of East Orange before re-entering Newark's upper West Ward.
The chase peaked near the intersection of Sandford Avenue and Marion Avenue, where the carjacker lost control and crashed.
The suspect sustained leg injuries and was unable to flee the vehicle. He was promptly taken into custody and then transported to the hospital for treatment.
No officers were injured during this encounter.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Newark Police Department. The swift response and coordination of multiple units played a crucial role in the successful apprehension of the suspect.