By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Police, assisted by neighboring agencies and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, broke up a large gathering of what they called unruly teens Saturday evening on a small West Ward block.
Officers were dispatched shortly before 7:45 p.m. to the 30s block of Grey Street—between 7th Avenue and Orange Street—after multiple calls reported a party that swelled to roughly 300 people.
Arriving units encountered crowds spilling into the street, with some individuals engaged in physical confrontations and throwing objects at each other.
Police requested mutual aid while working to disperse the group.
According to residents, pepper spray was used to help gain control after teens ignored orders to leave; some reportedly fled and then returned after circling the block.
Several residents said they heard possible gunfire, but officials had not confirmed any shots fired as of late Saturday.
No serious injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.