By: Richard L. Smith
Newark authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man caught on surveillance video breaking into a downtown diner and stealing a cash register early Saturday morning.
According to information released by the Newark Police Department, the break-in occurred around 2:15 a.m. on May 17 at the Deluxe Diner, located in the 500 block of Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard.
Responding officers arrived to find the diner’s front glass door shattered and significant damage at the scene.
Surveillance footage shows a light-skinned Black male repeatedly kicking the glass door before slipping beneath the broken frame.
Once inside, the suspect leapt over the front counter and forcefully removed the cash register, which reportedly contained $400. He then exited and was last seen walking west on Washington Place carrying the register.
Police described the suspect as having a goatee and white and gray hair.
He was wearing blue jeans, glasses, and a black sweater featuring distinctive designs on both shoulders.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. is urging anyone with information that could help identify the suspect to contact the department’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.