By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Newark are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect who allegedly attempted to rob a restaurant while using a phone translation app to threaten a cashier, according to information released by Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:50 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at a restaurant located in the 100 block of South Street.
According to authorities, the suspect entered the business and purchased a cup of coffee before displaying a message on the Google Translate application announcing a robbery and threatening to shoot the cashier if she did not open the register.
Instead of complying with the demand, the cashier ran away from the register.
Police said the suspect then attempted to remove the register himself but was unable to do so.
Before leaving the establishment, the suspect allegedly threw the coffee toward the cashier and fled the business.
Investigators say the suspect was last seen walking eastbound on South Street before turning onto Tichenor Street toward the area of Pennington Court.
Detectives describe the suspect as a Black male wearing all-black clothing and a black face mask.
Director Miranda urges anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or the incident to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS.
Tips can be submitted anonymously.