By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Newark said an 18-year-old city resident was taken into custody Monday morning after he was spotted with a high-capacity firearm outside Newark’s City Hall.
According to a statement from Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, the incident occurred at approximately 11:58 a.m. on October 27, when Newark Police officers and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) were conducting an investigation in the area of Newark City Hall, located at 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard.
Authorities said officers observed the suspect, identified as Mr. Kazi Baker, in possession of a firearm. He was arrested without incident.
Baker faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon (large capacity magazine), possession of a firearm by a minor, and receiving a stolen vehicle.
Officials did not disclose Baker’s intent in possessing the weapon or whether he had any connection to City Hall or nearby downtown businesses.
He was placed in the Essex County Jail pending a hearing before a judge.