Police in Newark are reporting that detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the below pictured suspect who is wanted on carjacking charges after he stole a vehicle left unattended and running with a 2-year-old sleeping inside today.
Authorities said at approximately 2:27 p.m., police were dispatched to 146 Ferry Street on a carjacking call.
A 24-year-old Union resident reported that she parked her car with her 2-year-old daughter sleeping inside to unload groceries at a relative’s house.
When she returned from one of her trips, her car was missing.
Within minutes, police located her car with her child still inside less than 400 feet away on Adams Street.
The child, who appeared to be unharmed, was taken to University Hospital to be examined. The victim’s cell phone was stolen during the carjacking.
The suspect was last seen headed north on Adams Street from Ferry Street.
The man is described as a white male , approximately 20-years-old, 6-feet tall and 180 pounds.
Police said he was wearing a red and white hat, a red, white and blue soccer jersey with “Racco” written on the front and back in white letters, black and white Adidas track pants and blue and white Nike sneakers.
“This carjacking was preventable,” Director Ambrose said. “Too often individuals needlessly engage in behavior which increases the likelihood that they will become a crime victim. This was a careless and reckless act which endangered a child. And we have been cautioning the public about the danger of leaving their cars running and unattended,” he added. “Approximately 32 percent of the cars stolen in Newark so far this year were left running. This problem is not unique to Newark. It is problematic throughout the state.
With a little common sense, many crimes like this one can be prevented. Everyone has to be thankful that this didn’t end with tragic results.”
This investigation is activ e. Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about this suspect or his whereabouts to please contact the police by utilizing the Department's 24-hour Crime Stoppers’ tip line at 877 NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877 695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.