By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Newark request the public’s help identifying the suspect, who took a victim’s wallet from his pants pocket on December 28.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. stated that at approximately 10:35 a.m., surveillance video captured the suspect walking up to the victim on Sumo Village Court near Thomas Street.
After a brief argument, the victim walked away until the suspect tried to bear hug him from behind, according to Newark officials. 
Newark officials say the victim spun away from his grasp, not realizing the suspect had reached into his rear pants pocket and taken his wallet.
The suspect fled east on Thomas Street, Newark police said. 
Director Miranda urges anyone with information on the suspect’s identity to call the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).