By: Richard L. Smith
Newark authorities have taken a juvenile into custody in connection with a fatal carjacking that left a delivery driver dead earlier this month, according to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced that the suspect was arrested on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Due to the individual’s age, officials have not released any identifying information.
The juvenile faces multiple charges, including first-degree felony murder and carjacking, along with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal crash, endangering an injured victim, and theft of a motor vehicle.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, in the area of Bergen Street.
The victim, identified as 46-year-old Jhon Aponte Alarcon, had briefly left his vehicle unattended while making a delivery.
Officials said the suspect entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away. Aponte Alarcon reportedly grabbed onto the vehicle in an effort to stop the theft.
The vehicle then traveled southbound on Bergen Street before crashing into a parked car, overturning and fatally injuring the victim.
The suspect fled the scene on foot following the crash.
Aponte Alarcon was transported to University Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.