Crime & Safety

Teens Arrested for Post-Concert Mayhem

Several Robberies, Assaults took place downtown

Three teens have been arrested for their roles in a series of assaults and robberies occurring after a concert at the Prudential Arena this past Saturday, May 5, the Newark Police Department announced today.

Around 11 pm, following the conclusion of a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, witnesses said a group of teens went on a 20-minute crime spree, accosting people near Broad and Market streets. Five separate incidents were reported, police said.

The NPD then began an “intense investigation,” during which investigators learned that three of the assailants -- two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old from Newark -- were seen boarding the #39 NJ Transit bus traveling south on Broad.

Police, who had descriptions of the subjects, arrested the teens yesterday on the 39 bus, at the Broad and Market intersection.   The trio has been remanded to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with rioting, aggravated assault, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery.

 
In a separate incident Newark Police arrested three other juveniles after responding to a report of an assault in progress at the intersection of Ferry and Christie streets. Upon arrival police were advised by several bystanders that a man had just been assaulted by three teens that fled on foot with the victim in pursuit. The officers immediately began to canvass the neighborhood for the suspects and/or the victim. Police observed the three suspects a few blocks away at the intersection of Raymond Boulevard and Freeman Street, where they were taken into custody without incident.

The victim, a 28 year-old Newark man, later positively identified the suspects who reportedly approached the victim and began to punch and kick him several times while attempting to unsuccessfully wrestle his cell phone from his hands. The victim, who sustained non-life-threatening lacerations, bruises, and swelling, fought off his attackers and lost sight of them during a brief foot pursuit. All three juveniles have been remanded to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of robbery, criminal attempt, and conspiracy.



Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio stated, “While the arrest of these juveniles is a bittersweet accomplishment I would like to applaud the detectives assigned to our Major Crimes Unit for their relentless pursuit of these dangerous and reckless juveniles. I am alarmed that our youth, who should either be at home under a parent’s supervision or engaged in some type of productive or recreational activity, are instead roaming our streets, creating mayhem through senseless and random acts of violence. I also wish to thank those in the community who came forward to assist us in our efforts. I want to assure the community that our detectives will continue their investigation into these incidents as we endeavor to identify and arrest everyone who took part in these incidents and bring them all to justice.”



Newark Mayor Cory Booker stated, “I commend the excellence of the Newark Police Department in making arrests in what was an isolated and unfortunate incident.   ‘The Rock’ still stands as one of the best guarded facilities not only in Newark, but in comparison to other arenas across the country. We are committed to ensuring that visitors to Newark can enjoy all of the world-class entertainment, diversity of restaurants, and other cultural attractions that our city has to offer.”


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