Newark police are reporting that members of the Newark Police Division’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU) successfully negotiated the surrender of a 27-year old mentally disturbed Newark man in connection with an armed robbery last night, officials say.
“I commend the ESU members for the compassion and professionalism used in resolving this situation,” Director Ambrose said. “Our officers were able to de-escalate the situation peacefully and respectfully, allowing the individual to receive the assistance he needs.”
Officials say that shortly after 6:30 p.m., police responded to New House Liquors, located at 458 Roseville Avenue, on a call of an armed robbery. A man entered the store, took a beer from the cooler and went to the register.
When he was advised that the purchase did not satisfy the store’s requirement of a minimum amount for payment via debit/credit card, he retrieved a handgun from a fanny pack he was wearing, took the beer and left the store, officials stated.
According to officials, detectives investigating this incident received reports of a man fitting the suspect’s description pointing a gun in the 200 block of North 9th Street.
The man was located at a residence in the area and had locked himself inside the home, telling police to either shoot him or to enter the house and remove him. ESU members responded and negotiated with the suspect, who surrendered peacefully and without use of force or further incident. Police also recovered a handgun inside the residence, officials reported.
The man was arrested and transported to University Hospital for evaluation, according to officials. He is charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and resisting arrest. His name is being withheld as part of the ongoing investigation.
These charges are merely accusations. The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about any suspicious or criminal activity to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.