Crime & Safety

Newark Teen Charged in String of Carjackings, Robberies

Crimes occurred in brief span last week

A 16-year-old city youth has been charged with taking part or masterminding a string of carjackings and armed robberies occurring over the last several days, Newark police said.

Department detectives working with the Essex County Carjacking Task Force were searching the area of 11th Ave. and S. 8th Street Monday following the recovery of a stolen vehicle. The youth, who police said matched a description provided by victims, was spotted and detained around 12:15 pm.  

He is accused of taking part in an attempted carjacking of a Mercedes Jan. 23 at South Orange Avenue and S. 10th Street, as well as the carjackings of a Honda at 319 2nd Ave. and an Acura at 18 Richelieu Pl., both occurring Jan. 24.

He is also a suspect in an armed robbery at gunpoint Jan. 27 at Davenport and N. 6th streets and another robbery the following day in East Orange. He may also be responsible for other robberies in Newark, police said.  

Police are still looking for the 16-year-old’s accomplices.
 
“I applaud the officers of the Essex County Carjacking Task Force that launched an exhaustive campaign to identify and capture a suspect wanted for a string of violent crimes.  I am sure that this Task Force will not rest till all the suspects responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended,” said Police Director Samuel DeMaio.


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