By: Jeff Sommes
Early Saturday morning, a physical altercation erupted outside Neptune's Bar and Grill in downtown Newark, drawing a significant police response.
The incident occurred just across from Essex County College, in the 300 block of University Avenue, around 1:40 a.m.
Police were alerted to the incident following reports of fights breaking out among a crowd gathered outside the bar.
Officers from Essex County College and the New Jersey Institute of Technology were first on the scene and quickly called for backup from the Newark Police Department upon encountering the large, unruly assembly of individuals.
Authorities worked fast to restore order, managing to disperse the crowd and make several arrests.
Despite the tense situation, no physical injuries were reported.
The cause of the altercation remains under investigation as police work to understand what sparked the early morning disturbance.
Newark Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they continue their investigation.
