Newark Police Director Anthony Ambrose is commending officers and SWAT for a stellar performance in this morning's hostage situation in Newark’s East Ward
Police said a second gun, a loaded 9 mm, was found in the South Street apartment where SWAT Team officers rescued five hostages and arrested Yucef Shabazz Rogers, 32, of Newark today after a 4-hour standoff.
Newark Police personnel responded to the housing complex residence after a 911 call was received at approximately 2:45 a.m. that several persons were being held hostage at the location.
Officers arrived and immediately requested the Newark Police Emergency Service (SWAT) Team after confirming a possible hostage situation.
The SWAT Team made entry into the apartment by utilizing a less than lethal chemical agent called Oleoresin Capsicum, better known as OC pepper spray. Rogers was apprehended without incident and five hostages were released. There were no reported injuries. The motive appears to be domestic related.
The hostages included three adult females, one is Roger’s girlfriend. Two males, including a 14-year-old, were also among the hostages.
As reported earlier, a loaded AK-47 assault weapon was also recovered in the apartment. During an ongoing investigation, detectives determined that Rogers fired the AK-47 weapon prior to officers’ arrival at the residence.
Rogers will be charged with a host of criminal charges including Possession of the assault weapon, possession of the weapon for unlawful purposes and will be remanded to the Essex County Correctional Facility.
“Chief Darnell Henry and I commend SWAT Commander Lieutenant Richard Casale and the members of the SWAT team for their patience and the successful ending with no harm being done to the suspect or hostages,” stated City of Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose.