By: Richard L. Smith
Newark authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who assaulted an Uber driver after the driver declined to take passengers to Easton, Pennsylvania.
According to Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr., the incident occurred on the evening of February 1, 2025, around 7:30 p.m.
The Uber driver had picked up four passengers—three men and one woman—at the intersection of Lafayette and Monroe Streets.
While three of the passengers took seats in the back, one of the male passengers sat in the front.
Tensions escalated when the driver informed the group that he could not accommodate their request for a trip to Pennsylvania.
The front-seat passenger became visibly upset and, in a sudden outburst, repeatedly struck the driver in the face before fleeing the scene along with the other passengers. They were last seen heading north on Monroe Street.
Authorities have released a description of the suspect, who is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, wearing a blue and white jacket with blue pants.
Director Miranda is urging anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS.