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State Police Arrest 20 Fugitives, Including Individuals Wanted for Violent Crimes in Essex County

Essex County

The New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit coordinated a 3-day mobile deployment initiative that led to the arrest last week of 20 fugitives in Essex County, including individuals wanted for violent crimes.  Of the 20 people arrested, 12 were identified as street gang members. 

Detectives from the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, Violent and Organized Crime Control North Bureau, and K-9 Unit along with members of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force - Newark Division, New Jersey Department of Corrections Special Operations Group, Essex County Sheriff's Office, and the Newark Police Department Fugitive Unit targeted violent criminals who had warrants for their arrest and were believed to be involved in criminal activity within the city of Newark.  

The targets for the operation were identified through various investigative means including street-level intelligence, patrol advisories, and information provided by the New Jersey State Police Real Time Crime Center North Unit.

From Wednesday, April 14, to Friday, April 16, a total of 20 fugitives wanted by state, county, and local law enforcement agencies were apprehended in various locations throughout Essex County. 

The accused were wanted for various crimes including aggravated assault, armed robbery, burglary, theft, and weapons and drug offenses. All suspects were lodged at the Essex County Jail.

The following was seized as a result of the operation:

  • .357 caliber revolver
  • Two 9mm handguns
  • Stolen Honda CRV

“By arresting gang members and other fugitives who were wanted on charges including aggravated assault, armed robbery, and drug distribution, we continue to make our communities safer,” Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said. 

“I commend the New Jersey State Police and our federal, state, county, and local partners for this proactive crime suppression effort. It demonstrates once again that law enforcement agencies work best when they work together.”

“When we conduct these multi-agency fugitive sweeps, we not only take dangerous recidivist offenders off of the streets—we are also able to derive valuable intelligence that can help solve additional crimes and larger criminal operations in the area,” Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. 

“Our mission is to serve and protect residents statewide, which is why we remain committed to working alongside our partners in cities like Newark because these collaborative initiatives help make our communities safer.”

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