By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man has been arrested by savy and swift detectives in connection with two violent robberies that occurred within about 30 minutes of each other on Saturday morning, one of which allegedly involved the sexual assault of a woman.
According to information released by the Newark Department of Public Safety, Faheem Green, 25, of Newark, was taken into custody following an investigation by the department’s Major Crimes detectives.
Police said the first incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. near Orange Street and South 11th Street.
A nun was walking south on South 11th Street when she was approached by Green, who allegedly punched her with a closed fist, causing her to fall to the ground before stealing her purse.
The victim was transported to University Hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition.
About 30 minutes later, officers learned of a second violent attack near Hudson Street and Central Avenue. Investigators said a woman had just exited a bus when she was allegedly followed by Green, who displayed a handgun and demanded her purse.
After the victim surrendered her belongings, authorities said Green struck her in the face with the handgun, pushed her to the ground, and applied pressure to her neck until she lost consciousness.
When she regained consciousness, she discovered she had been sexually assaulted. She was taken to University Hospital and is also reported to be in stable condition.
Fast responding and dedicated Newark Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from both crime scenes and quickly identified Green as the suspect. He was arrested later that same day.
In connection with the first robbery, Green is charged with robbery.
For the second incident, he faces charges including robbery, aggravated sexual assault during the commission of a felony, aggravated assault, attempted murder, and criminal restraint.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. commended Major Crimes detectives for their swift investigative work, saying their efforts led to the suspect’s arrest on the same day the crimes occurred.