NEWARK, NJ – A 14-year-old boy was among two teens arrested this week by Newark’s second precinct police officers. The back-to-back arrests drew praise from Newark Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara for the quick apprehension of the car thieves on Friday.
“I commend Captain Gerardo Rodriguez and officers from the 2nd and 7th Precincts for their vigilant effort in apprehending these suspects,” Director O’Hara said. “Unattended vehicles left running create an opportunity that often escalates to greater crimes being committed.“
According to a police report, on Friday, March 18, 2022, shortly before 8:30 am a 2nd Precinct officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Jay Street regarding a suspicious parked Audi left running and unattended. As the officer was investigating the scene, a male wearing a ski mask attempted to enter the vehicle and flee. The officer interrupted this action and the suspect attempted to flee on foot.
“After a brief foot pursuit, a 14-year-old male suspect was apprehended and charged with Theft of Movable Property and Resisting Arrest,” O’Hara said. The Audi was stolen from New York City on March 17, 2022.
The other thief was arrested after running a red light and causing a crash in a Maserati.
“At 2:30 pm 2nd Precinct officers were at Mt. Prospect Avenue and Montclair St. when they observed a Maserati disregard a traffic signal and collide with a black sedan vehicle,” the police report stated. “Two males exited the Maserati and attempted to flee, both officers immediately pursued the suspects.”
O’Hara said Captain Gerardo Rodriguez was walking throughout the Mt. Prospect business district and responded to the call for assistance with 7th Precinct officers.
“Captain Rodriguez apprehended the driver of the Maserati while 2nd Precinct officers apprehended the passenger,” O’Hara said. “Captain Rodriguez sustained a minor injury while making the apprehension, and was treated at a local hospital.”
Nakee G. Beckett, 19, and Malachi N. Latimer, 18, both of Newark, NJ, face charges of Receiving Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing the Administration of Law.