By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé has called upon the public to assist in identifying two suspects involved in a brazen armed carjacking incident.
The crime took place in broad daylight on Monday in the 400 block of 15th Avenue.
It happened at approximately 1:15 p.m. when a woman, in the midst of loading groceries into her car trunk, was suddenly ambushed by an armed male and his accomplice.
The assailants demanded her vehicle, prompting the victim to run away in fear. Tragically, in her attempt to escape, she fell, losing consciousness.
Seizing the opportunity, the two suspects commandeered her vehicle and took $300 from her purse inside the car.
Witnesses, including employees from the business the victim had just left, rushed to her aid while the suspects abandoned the vehicle, fleeing on foot in the direction of North on South 7th Street.
The Newark Police Department is spearheading the investigation and has provided descriptions of the suspects in hopes that members of the public can aid in their quick apprehension.
The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male with a light complexion, seen wearing a black coat and armed with a black handgun. The second suspect is a Black male of short stature dressed entirely in black.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspects' identities to come forward to assist in their capture, aiming to prevent further crimes and ensure the safety of Newark's residents.