By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities have arrested a man accused of a brazen string of thefts and an assault on a police officer during a dramatic encounter that unfolded across two North Jersey cities, according to information released by law enforcement officials.
Kearny Police said the incident began on the afternoon of March 28, 2025, when Kearny Police were called to the Passaic Avenue Shopping Plaza in response to a report of a repeat shoplifter. 
By the time officers arrived, the suspect had already targeted two stores, stuffing large garbage bags with merchandise while his vehicle idled illegally in the fire lane outside.
As the suspect exited one of the stores, officers approached and ordered him to stop. According to police, he ignored commands and attempted to flee.
When an officer tried to detain him, a physical struggle followed.
During the confrontation, the suspect entered his vehicle and accelerated, striking the officer before fleeing the scene. 
The suspect then crossed the Clay Street Bridge into Newark.
The officer was transported to a nearby hospital where, fortunately, his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
Hours later, with the assistance of the Newark Police Department, investigators located the suspect’s vehicle abandoned in the Clinton Hill section of Newark.
It was seized by police, and the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Ashod R. Holt of East Orange, was later taken into custody and transported to the Kearny Police Department.
Following his arrest, Holt was charged with a wide range of offenses including robbery, eluding, three counts of aggravated assault, assault by auto, multiple weapons offenses, obstruction, endangering another person, shoplifting, and operating a vehicle during a license suspension.
He was also issued numerous motor vehicle summonses. In addition, the registered owner of the vehicle was charged with allowing a revoked-license driver to operate the car. 
Holt was transferred to the Hudson County Correctional Center pending further proceedings. Police later executed a search warrant on the vehicle, uncovering additional evidence linking Holt to the crimes.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine whether Holt may be connected to other similar incidents in the area.