By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Newark request the public’s help identifying the male suspect in connection with a theft that occurred on Sunday, April 27.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr., stated that a victim reported that at approximately 4:45 p.m., a statue of the Virgin Mother Mary was stolen from the lawn of a residence in the 400 block of Highland Avenue.
The male suspect was observed on surveillance video walking southbound on Highland Avenue from Ballantine Parkway before walking onto the victim’s lawn, picking up the statue, and fleeing southbound on foot towards Berkeley Avenue, Newark Police stated. 
Newark authorities say the statue is 3 feet tall and valued at $600.00.
Detectives investigating this incident describe the suspect as middle-aged with a short stature and stocky build, according to Newark officials. 
Newark officials said he also has gray, bushy hair and was wearing a beige jacket and black pants.
Director Miranda urges anyone with information about the identity of this suspect to call the Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).